PSYCHOTHERAPY IN NEW YORK
I am Leide Porcu, PhD, LP, a psychoanalyst and anthropologist licensed in New York State and New Jersey. I work with adults facing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, grief, insomnia, relationship difficulties, identity transitions, and moments of personal or professional impasse.
I often work with individuals whose professional lives unfold in international or institutional settings, where visibility, performance, and discretion matter. This includes people working in global organizations, cross-border roles, and high-responsibility environments shaped by mobility, cultural exposure, and institutional pressure. I offer psychotherapy in English and Italian, in person in Manhattan and online.
My clinical work integrates psychoanalytic depth, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a cultural perspective shaped by anthropology. This allows us to work not only on symptoms, but on the deeper emotional patterns, relational dynamics, and unspoken narratives that influence how you relate to yourself, your work, and the people around you. Dreams, imagination, and bodily experience are often important guides in this process, alongside practical strategies for change.
Over the years, I have developed particular expertise working with immigrants, expatriates, and bicultural individuals, for whom questions of belonging, identity, language, and adaptation often intersect with psychological distress. At the same time, many people come to work with me simply because they are carrying responsibility, feeling stuck, or seeking a more coherent and intentional way of living.
People often seek me out when they want a thoughtful, contained space — not only to feel better, but to understand themselves more deeply and move through life with greater clarity, freedom, and direction. I also reserve a limited number of reduced-fee or pro bono positions for immigrants facing significant economic hardship.
About Leide
I am Leide Porcu, PhD, LP, a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I hold a PhD in Anthropology from Columbia University and bring extensive experience working with immigrants, expatriates, executives, and diplomats living and working in New York City.
I obtained my New York State license in Psychoanalysis in 2006. I completed eight years of postdoctoral training at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR), including re-specialization and full psychoanalytic training, with seven years of supervised clinical practice with patients. Earlier in my career, I worked in clinics and community mental health centers, most notably at the Western Queens Consultation Center, where I developed a deep understanding of the psychological impact of immigration, displacement, and social vulnerability. Since 2010, I have been dedicated exclusively to private practice, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, life circumstances, and professional roles.
I currently teach on immigration at the Silberman School of Social Work (CUNY). I am also the author of a forthcoming book with Routledge on immigrant well-being and second-generation experiences, written for both clinicians and a broader audience interested in migration, identity, and mental health. The book begins with a socio-anthropological analysis of migration and then gives voice to immigrants from a wide range of backgrounds and social positions. It concludes with practical, clinically grounded tools designed to help transform the strain of migration into opportunities for growth, integration, and psychological well-being. I have previously published essays on humor, dreams, homelessness, and am currently writing further work on immigration.
In 2021, I served as President of the Outreach, Sport, Youth, and Mental Health Commission of ComitesNY, an elected body that connects Italian citizens abroad (AIRE) with the Italian Consulate and institutions in Italy. Through this role, I have collaborated on and organized numerous initiatives in support of the Italian community in the New York tri-state area.
Outside of my professional life, I spend time visiting my mother in Sardinia, traveling, walking, cooking, and exploring new cuisines. When possible, I enjoy gardening, which for me is another way of staying grounded and attentive to growth over time.
APPROACH
My work is relational, grounded, and collaborative. Therapy with me offers a space to slow down, think clearly, and reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been overshadowed by pressure, responsibility, or self-criticism.
At the same time, I value clarity and efficiency. Insight matters, but so does having practical tools that help you feel better and function more effectively in your daily life. We focus on what is meaningful and what is useful.
In practice, my approach includes:
• An integrated use of psychoanalytic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness
• A balance between emotional depth and practical, time-saving strategies
• Active attention to patterns that keep repeating and how to interrupt them
• A collaborative and respectful therapeutic relationship
• Sensitivity to cultural context, identity, and unspoken expectations
Many people appreciate that our work is both reflective and focused — helping them gain insight while also moving forward with greater confidence and steadiness.
IS THIS WORK RIGHT FOR YOU?
Some therapists work very broadly; others commit to a single theoretical model. I have chosen a different path: an integrated clinical approach that is both deep and flexible, allowing multiple tools to be used when they are genuinely helpful.
I have not built my career around one severe psychiatric diagnosis. Instead, I focus on the difficulties that shape the everyday lives of many people: anxiety, panic, mild to moderate depression, insecurity, shame, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, relational difficulties, challenges with organization and emotional regulation, grief, adjustment stress, and the psychological impact of migration.
I often work with thoughtful, capable people who function well on the outside but feel strained, self-critical, or unsettled inside. Many are navigating life transitions, cultural or professional pressure, or the quiet exhaustion that comes from carrying too much for too long.
My approach is well suited for those who want both understanding and movement—space to reflect, and practical ways to feel steadier, more grounded, and more at ease in their lives.
If you are facing more severe psychiatric conditions—such as active psychosis, severe eating disorders, or persistent thoughts of living or dying with a plan—I am not the right clinician. In those cases, I am always happy to help you find specialized care with trusted colleagues.
If you are looking for thoughtful, culturally attuned, and integrative psychotherapy with a clinician who takes both your inner world and your real-life challenges seriously, this work may be a good fit.
AREAS OF WORK
My work focuses on supporting adults, families, and professionals who are navigating periods of stress, transition, or emotional difficulty. I offer psychotherapy and coaching for individuals seeking clarity, relief, and meaningful change—both personally and professionally.
I work with:
Adults
Families and family businesses
Relationships and conflict
Self-esteem and personal growth
Stress and trauma
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression (mild to moderate)
Grief and loss
Insomnia and sleep difficulties
Organization, focus, and time management
My approach integrates psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and coaching tools, allowing the work to be tailored to your needs rather than forcing you into a single model. Some people seek depth and reflection; others need structure, clarity, and practical strategies. In our work together, we focus on what is most useful, effective, and sustainable for you.
“Thank you, Leide. These two years brought profound change. Our weekly session was my anchor. I will miss it—but I am glad I no longer need it.”
R. C.
Whether you are seeking psychotherapy, consultation, or a customized workshop, the first step is a conversation. I invite you to get in touch to discuss your needs, ask questions, and explore whether we may be a good fit before beginning any work together.
This initial conversation is free of charge and can take place by phone or video, depending on your preference. You are welcome to use the contact form on this page, send an email, or call directly.
Everything you share will be treated with care, discretion, and full confidentiality.
PHONE
212-929-7724
ADDRESS
141 East 55th Street, 9E New York, NY 10022
E-MAIL
inquiry@leideporcu.com
CONTACTS
Teaching, Public Engagement and Leadership
Pubblications and Professional Contributions
Education and Training
Memberships
Leide Porcu PhD LP
Leide Porcu, PhD is a New York–based psychotherapy practice offering individual psychotherapy, psychological consultation, and workshops in English and Italian. The work supports individuals and professionals facing anxiety, depression, insomnia, organization and overwhelm, cultural adaptation, and personal growth.
The studio’s mission is to provide a thoughtful, culturally informed space grounded in attentive listening and practical, evidence-based tools. In addition to individual work, workshops and group programs address themes of well-being, cross-cultural experience, communication, and psychological resilience.
Services are available in person in Manhattan and online.