"I provide evidence-based therapy tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. When appropriate, I work collaboratively with families, parents, and siblings to better understand challenges within the family system and strengthen supportive patterns of communication and connection. I also offer Animal-Assisted Therapy, integrating a trained therapy dog into sessions to help clients feel more comfortable, engaged, and supported as they work toward their goals."
- Curbie Oestreich Cohen, LCSW
About Curbie
I earned my M.S.W. from Fordham University and a B.A. in Art History from Skidmore College. In addition to my private practice, Talk and Tails, I am the School Groups Coordinator and a staff psychotherapist at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center (LMCCC). I lead social skills groups and skills-based classes at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
​​​​​
Prior to working at the Center, I provided Special Instruction therapy to preschool-aged children in both home and school settings. My work focused on supporting developmental and social-emotional growth through play-based interventions. I collaborated closely with families, teachers, and related providers to support each child’s progress across environments.
I have post-graduate training in the following evidence-based practices: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills).​
​
I am a longtime Mamaroneck resident and community volunteer and enjoy playing tennis, skiing, and definitely have the travel bug.
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a structured, goal-directed intervention that incorporates animals into a treatment plan to improve a patient's physical, social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. It is typically facilitated by licensed health professionals and specially trained animals.
How it Works and Benefits
AAT acts as a complement to traditional medical or psychological therapies. The presence of a therapy animal helps lower stress hormones and triggers a natural relaxation response.
​
Learn more about AAT here.
Learn more about why I use AAT in my practice here.​​​
My therapy dog Fusilli and I are certified volunteers with Pet Partners, through which we offer school visits. Visits with a therapy dog can:
-
Support social-emotional development
-
Build confidence and self-esteem
-
Ease academic stress
-
Promote student mental health and well-being
-
Encourage positive classroom interactionsCreate moments of connection and success
If you are interested in having Fusilli visit your school, please reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Fusilli and I "on the job" at a local elementary school!
​​
1. Do you take insurance? Yes! Please visit my secure page to verify your insurance coverage. Even if I do not currrently work directly with your insurance company, in many cases your out-of-network benefits may allow you to be eligible for reimbursement for each session. I am happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit claims to your insurance company for reimbursement. In this case, payment is required at the time of service and you will be reimbursed by your insurance provider.
​​
2. What if I want counseling without AAT? Of course, if you would prefer counseling without Fusilli present, that works as well.
​​
3. How would you describe your style of counseling? My goal is to help you better know, understand, and care for yourself in a meaningful and sustainable way. Whether you are looking for short-term support around a specific challenge or deeper exploration of long-standing patterns, I will work collaboratively with you to find approaches that best meet your needs.
​
4. Do you also see clients remotely? Yep. ​
​​​
5. I am allergic to dogs, is your office cleaned regularly? Absolutely - the office is cleaned on a regular basis however I cannot guarantee that it will be without allergens as every individual's sensitivities are different.​
6. What ages benefit from Animal-Assisted Therapy? I think anyone can benefit from unconditional love and acceptance from a therapy animal who is trained to bring a calming presence to the session. ​
7. What's up with 'Curbie?' Curbie is my nickname! My grandmother was the only person who has ever called me by my given name, Caren : )​
Work with Curbie! (and Fusilli!)
Talk and Tails
2 Madison Avenue
Ste 201
Larchmont, NY 10538
914-481-2433
Good Faith Estimate / No Surprises Act
Under the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers are required to provide clients who are uninsured or not using insurance with a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges for services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the anticipated cost of your psychotherapy services.
You may request a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling services or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you may dispute the bill.​
​To schedule an appointment or verify insurance coverage, please use my secure booking page through Alma.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach me by phone, text or email - we look forward to working with you!