"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living."
Adina Papa
Professional Counselor in Training

Adina is currently a highly engaged Clinical Intern pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Daemen University. Her academic journey is built upon a profound intellectual curiosity and a deep, longstanding draw toward understanding human behavior at a systemic level, aiming to aid individuals as they navigate the inevitable complexities and challenges of life. She believes unequivocally in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship, approaching her work with genuine empathy, warmth, and a dedicated non-judgmental acceptance that fosters a safe and collaborative space for clients.

Adina’s interest in the mental health field is deeply rooted in significant prior professional experience, particularly through her work with children and families. In these crucial early roles, she witnessed firsthand the powerful difference that genuine support, focused compassion, and informed intervention can make in a person’s life and within their relational systems. This foundational work solidified her passion and commitment to clinical practice. She is driven by a powerful conviction that every individual deserves a space where they can explore their inner world, feel authentically heard and understood, and ultimately be empowered to realize meaningful personal growth.

Her primary professional goal is to evolve into an ethical, highly competent, and licensed mental health professional who makes a significant, positive impact on her community. Adina is committed to developing specialized clinical expertise in core areas such as anxiety and stress management, assisting clients in developing effective coping mechanisms for overwhelming emotional experiences; family relationships and dynamics, working to improve communication and foster healthier relational patterns; and child and adolescent development, providing specialized support for younger clients as they face unique emotional and developmental hurdles. Her therapeutic approach is intrinsically person-centered, and she utilizes evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, tailoring interventions to honor each client’s unique strengths, background, and personal goals. Adina views her internship as an invaluable opportunity to synthesize advanced theoretical knowledge with essential clinical skills, ensuring she is prepared to offer the comprehensive and impactful care she is so dedicated to providing.

Adina is currently a highly engaged Clinical Intern pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Daemen University. Her academic journey is built upon a profound intellectual curiosity and a deep, longstanding draw toward understanding human behavior at a systemic level, aiming to aid individuals as they navigate the inevitable complexities and challenges of life. She believes unequivocally in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship, approaching her work with genuine empathy, warmth, and a dedicated non-judgmental acceptance that fosters a safe and collaborative space for clients.

Adina’s interest in the mental health field is deeply rooted in significant prior professional experience, particularly through her work with children and families. In these crucial early roles, she witnessed firsthand the powerful difference that genuine support, focused compassion, and informed intervention can make in a person’s life and within their relational systems. This foundational work solidified her passion and commitment to clinical practice. She is driven by a powerful conviction that every individual deserves a space where they can explore their inner world, feel authentically heard and understood, and ultimately be empowered to realize meaningful personal growth.

Her primary professional goal is to evolve into an ethical, highly competent, and licensed mental health professional who makes a significant, positive impact on her community. Adina is committed to developing specialized clinical expertise in core areas such as anxiety and stress management, assisting clients in developing effective coping mechanisms for overwhelming emotional experiences; family relationships and dynamics, working to improve communication and foster healthier relational patterns; and child and adolescent development, providing specialized support for younger clients as they face unique emotional and developmental hurdles. Her therapeutic approach is intrinsically person-centered, and she utilizes evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, tailoring interventions to honor each client’s unique strengths, background, and personal goals. Adina views her internship as an invaluable opportunity to synthesize advanced theoretical knowledge with essential clinical skills, ensuring she is prepared to offer the comprehensive and impactful care she is so dedicated to providing.

ABOUT ADINA

Specialties

Anxiety

Conquer your fears

Child and Adolescent Development

Guidance for Clients and their Parents

Relationships

Strive to be closer

Certification & Training


• Bachelors in Applied Human Nutrition, Minor in Child Studies (University of Guelph, 1986) • Bachelors of Education (University of Toronto, 1991) • Masters in Clinical Sociology (University of North West Texas, 2006) • The Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim (2006-2008) • Internal Family Systems • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy • Gottman Method Couples’s Therapy (Levels1-3) • EMDR (Levels 1 & 2 for Adults) • EMDR (Levels 1 & 2 for Children) • Trauma Recovery • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Levels 1 & 2) • Narrative Therapy • Family Systems Therapy • Schema Therapy • Postpartum Treatment • Conflict Resolution • Sexual Dysfunctions in Couples