ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Dr. Paulette Didia
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and respect for the complexity of your lived experience.
No two people are the same, and your therapy shouldn’t be either. Whether we are focusing on short-term skill-building or deeper exploration, my goal is to help you feel more grounded, connected, and empowered.
I believe therapy is a true partnership. Together we will draw from psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs.
Many of my clients are professionals who’ve never thought of themselves as anxious; they’re just the most prepared person in the room, answering emails at 11pm, and saying yes when they mean no. They can’t remember the last time their mind was fully quiet. If that sounds familiar, you’re exactly who I had in mind when I built this practice.
MY APPROACH TO THERAPY
My Philosophy
At Making Meaning Psychology, the mission is simple: to offer compassionate, individualized therapy rooted in healing, growth, and connection. Therapy is most effective when it’s collaborative- honoring your unique story while using evidence-based strategies to support change. At its core, this work is about making meaning, because meaning is the path to healing.
The word therapy comes from the Greek for “healing,” reflecting the heart of a collaborative, personalized approach to treatment. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, or relationship challenges, we’ll work together to uncover your strengths, clarify your goals, and move toward meaningful, lasting transformation.
Mental health advocacy is also central to this work. Making Meaning Psychology is committed to reducing stigma and increasing access to emotional wellness, because everyone deserves the chance to heal.
WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY
I feel incredibly grateful to have found Dr. Didia ~2 years ago, and I truly cannot recommend her enough!
She has the unique ability to notice what you say (and how you say it), and help reframe them in a way that brings clarity and insight to the conversation. Dr. Didia’s warm demeanor, patience, and attentiveness make it easy to discuss all topics. Nothing ever feels forced or rushed, even when I struggle to articulate my thoughts and feelings. If you’re based in the NYC-area and looking for a thoughtful, supportive therapist, Dr. Didia is my #1 recommendation!
Dr. Didia is truly amazing at her job and has helped me in so many ways.
She is very personable and easy to talk to. I am amazed at how knowledgeable she is. I look forward to my next session with her and I’m truly grateful I found her!
Dr. Didia is a dot connector!
She is able to connect behaviors from the past and associate them with behaviors of today to help me understand the sense of things. In the short amount of time I’ve seen Dr Didia, I’ve had epiphanies that I’ve needed to overcome some hard trauma. She is gentle yet realistic. Easy to speak to because she provides comfort. I love how she is able to relate things I’ve said last week and can relate them things I’ve said this week. A true active listener.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating
But you don’t have to do it alone.
I offer a free consultation so we can see if we’re a good fit.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
Education
> Psy.D. in School-Clinical Child Psychology, 2022, Pace University
> M.S.Ed in Education, 2021, Pace University
> M.A. in General Psychology, 2016, Pace University
> B.A. in Psychology, 2015, Brooklyn College
Experience
> The Center for Progressive Psychotherapy
> Community Assistance Resources and Extended Services
> McShane Center for Psychological Services
> SUNY Downstate Medical Center
> Oceanside School District
Awards
> President’s Graduate Scholar at Pace University
> Graduate Student Psychology Association Representative
> Graduate Merit Scholar at Pace University
>Dean’s List at Brooklyn College
>Arista National Honor Society Scholar
Publications
> Didia, P., Trub, L., & Hassinger-Das, B. (2024). Stuck in the DMs: The association between introversion/extraversion and self-confidence through text-based communication. Psychology of Popular Media.
> Didia, P. (2022). The Association Between Introversion and/or Extraversion and Self-Confidence through Text Based Communication (Doctoral dissertation, Pace University).
> Didia, P., & Trub, L. (2017) Is age the critical factor in determining therapists’ openness to integrating technology into practice? Poster presented at the Pace University 25th Annual Psychology Conference, New York