Ariella Azaraf, LCSW

11/07/2024

Boundaries are a powerful tool for self-care, helping us stay true to our values and maintain emotional balance.
When someone introduces a topic or tries to pull us into their issues, we may feel an urge to respond, often out of habit, guilt, or a desire to help.
It’s important to pause and ask ourselves if this engagement serves our well-being or aligns with our priorities.
Saying ‘no’ doesn’t mean we’re unkind or disconnected; it means we’re aware of our limits and are protecting our peace.
In honoring our boundaries, we teach ourselves—and others—that our energy is sacred and should be spent wisely.

10/30/2024

It sounds easy, but boy is it hard work.
So often we exert energy into people who can’t meet our needs.
Investing your energy in places where your needs are genuinely met can transform your well-being.
When we focus on relationships, environments, and activities that nurture us, we create space for growth and fulfillment.
It’s essential to recognize when our energy is being drained and instead prioritize those areas that truly feed our mind, body, and soul.
Choose wisely where you give yourself, and watch your resilience and happiness bloom.

10/29/2024

Discovering your authentic self is a journey of embracing who you truly are, beyond external expectations or societal molds.
It’s about finding the inner confidence to trust that your path doesn’t have to align with anyone else’s vision or approval.
It’s about letting go of shame, guilt and expectations.
This self-trust allows you to live with purpose, grounded in your unique values and passions, rather than constantly seeking validation.
When you embrace the freedom to let your journey make sense only to you, you invite true fulfillment and resilience into your life.

10/28/2024

New year, New you.
Releasing what no longer serves you isn’t just about removing negativity; it’s an act of reclaiming your worth and honoring your emotional space.
Often, we cling to people, habits, or memories out of fear, comfort, or even guilt.
But staying connected to what dims your light can hold you back from becoming the truest version of yourself.
Letting go is a quiet, profound bravery, a step toward healing that acknowledges your need for growth, peace, and genuine joy.
Trust that the act of release isn’t an end—it’s an invitation to rebuild, to fill your life with what truly nurtures your heart and spirit.

Certainly! Here’s a more compact format for your hashtags:

06/10/2024

Isn’t it the truth?
Think about someone in your life who you love deeply, yet you know that you need to love them from afar because that is safest for YOU.
Sometimes distance serves as a shield, protecting your heart.
Does this resonate?
Let me know in the comments below 👇🏼

06/09/2024

It is what we are all feeling.
Strangers, people whom we never met, suddenly started to feel like family.
We lost sleep, lost our appetites and suddenly had their faces, their images, etched in our minds.
Yesterday, when the 4 hostages were released, I felt like my family came home.

Empathy is a wild thing.
It helps us feel connected. It helps us feel for people we don’t even know.

Empathy is a powerful emotion that allows us to understand and share the feelings of others.
It enables deeper connections, fosters compassion, and promotes a sense of unity and support among individuals.
By putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes and acknowledging their emotions, we can build trust, strengthen relationships, and create a more compassionate and understanding society.

01/04/2024

I’ll leave this reminder right here 💕

01/01/2024

Carl Jung said it best “we cannot change anything unless we accept it.”
Beating ourselves up very simply does not work.
Embracing the amazing parts of ourselves as well as the parts of ourselves that may need some work is key.
Please try not to let the New Years marketing convince you that you are no good as you are.
Please try to find the amazing parts of yourself and to look at the parts that aren’t as amazing with compassion, love and understanding.
Wishing you all a Happy New year.
To a year of fully loving and embracing yourself as you are.
Because YOU are beautiful and worthy just as you are!
XO,
Ariella

12/27/2023

✨This post feels intense because the world feels intense✨
Hugging you all.

12/07/2023

Vintor Frankl, a psychiatrist from Austria and survivor of Auschwitz is truly my hero. He was a man dedicated to searching for life’s meaning through trauma, darkness and pain is incredibly inspirational.
Understanding that we can’t get to light without enduring some type of ‘burning’ or darkness is crucial to healing.
Struggles and working through the struggles is worth the light at the end.
Even when we can’t see the light.
Even when we can’t find the light.
Merely knowing the light is out there.
Looking for it.
Longing for it.

10/25/2023

I’ve been hearing a lot of people wondering what is “wrong with the “.
People feeling their tight chest.
Their heart beating faster than usual.
Trouble sleeping.
Nightmares.
Having a hard time controlling their worries.
And the list goes on and on.
Here is the thing: nothing is wrong with you!
You are having a very normal reaction to a very abnormal situation.
Once you validate you are feeling “off”, imbalanced, not like your usual self because of everything we are collectively experiencing, you will be so much more compassionate and understanding.
The world is tough right now, be gentle with yourself.

All my love,
Ariella

10/10/2023

There truly aren’t many words. But boy are there feelings. So much pain..

So many feelings..

As the news unfolds, as images are released, as the war continues, please find ways to take care of your mental health.

Sending love to each of you and praying for safety for our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Praying for the brave soldiers.
Praying that this will all be over soon.
We are in this together.

Much love,
Ariella

Hi! My name is Ariella Azaraf and I am a clinical Social Worker practicing virtually. Currently accepting clients in NYC. I specialize in helping clients work through anxiety and depression using Cognitive Behavior Therapy which helps one understand his or her thoughts and feelings and how they impact behavior. I provide empathetic and warm support to my clients assisting them find meaning and purpose in their lives and relationships. I have a unique focus on self acceptance and embracing all parts that make us human.