Hello, I’m Robyn, therapist in NYC
ABOUT ME
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or compulsions take over your day, disrupt your sleep, and make simple tasks feel impossible. You may feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, or avoidance—and unsure if therapy can help. I understand this personally, because I’ve been there.
In 2003, anxiety and rumination about perceived flaws in my appearance left me unable to function. Being diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) was frightening, but evidence-based therapy gave me the tools and support to reclaim my life. That experience guides how I help clients—with compassion, understanding, and practical strategies to thrive, not just survive.
Working with me, you’ll receive personalized, evidence-based guidance to reduce intrusive thoughts, loosen compulsions, and build coping skills that restore confidence and control. I treat the whole person, not just symptoms, so you can move from surviving to living a values-based, fulfilling life. Reach out today to start your journey toward relief and empowerment.
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
Helen Keller
What I believe…
You are not your diagnosis Struggling with your mental health doesn’t define you.
Anxiety is not your enemy You have the strength and power within you to transform your relationship to it.
Intrusive thoughts are normal We all have intrusive thoughts, but thse who struggle with these disorders feel it attacks them to their core, we will change that.
You are not alone in this journey I am here to work with you and be by your side to heal from anxiety so that you don’t feel you are doing this by yourself.
Self-awareness allows you to begin to change Understanding you need support is the first step towards releasing the barriers to your struggles.
Self-compassion Holding space for yourself and the struggles you have been through with kindness helps as you enter into your therapy
Kind Words from my Colleagues
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Robyn is an incredibly gifted and compassionate therapist. Her passion and understanding of working with OCD, BDD, and related disorders is unmatched! I would feel comfortable referring a family member to her!
Andrew C
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Robyn Leigh Stern is a skilled, thoughtful clinician specializing in OCD, BDD, anxiety, & panic. Her approach is clear, compassionate, and effective in helping clients navigate intrusive thoughts, compulsions, & body image distress with confidence & care.
Yemaya Wellness Center
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Robyn shares a deep clinical knowledge in treating those with BDD and OCD. Robyn treats each client with compassion and creates a space where clients feel genuinely understood and supported. Robyn is highly recommended in the field.
Dr. Sara Marchon
With extensive professional training and lived experience, I am a psychotherapist who is frequently consulted by media outlets to comment on my specialized areas of practice.
Your journey to healing and recovery starts here in NYC.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—let’s take the next step together. Schedule a free consultation today and begin healing from anxiety and fear, moving toward the life you deserve to live.
Education and Licensure:
Binghamton University (2002) BS Human Development
Hunter College CUNY (2004) MS Ed Counseling Education
California State University Northridge (2012) Masters in Social Work
LCSW (2017) NY and CA
LCSW (2020) FL and NJ
LCSW (2024) CT
Trainings and Professional Organizations:
BTTI: OCD and OCD Related Disorders (2017)
BFRB training - The TLC Foundation(2018)
Trauma Focused CBT (2012)
International OCD Foundation - active member
The TLC Foundation for BFRB - active member
Special Interest Group active member - IOCDF for BDD
Conference Planning Committee active member - IOCDF for BDD
NASW - active member