Meet Judith
I am a licensed clinical social worker and the owner of Steady Compass Counseling Services, offering virtual sessions and in-person appointments at our offices in Nyack, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut.
Since earning my Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in 2003, I’ve specialized in the powerful intersection between mental health and the human-animal bond. I hold an Animal Behavior and Conservation certification from Hunter College (2020) and completed specialized training in Pet Loss with the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) in 2021. I am a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS) through the American Association of Animal Interveners and Practitioners (AAAIP) and a Registered Therapy Animal Evaluator with Pet Partners.
My clinical practice offers a range of specialty services including emotional support animal (ESA) evaluations, grief counseling for pet loss, exposure-based therapy for cynophobia (fear of dogs), and animal-assisted psychotherapy. These services reflect a deep commitment to providing both emotional and practical support to individuals whose lives are impacted by the presence—or absence—of a meaningful animal relationship.
As part of our therapy team, I work alongside my certified therapy dogs, Ruby and Grogu, who help create a safe, calming environment that supports healing and connection. Our sessions may include structured animal-assisted interventions or simply the comfort of having a therapy animal present. I also serve as a Pet Partners evaluator, helping other therapy teams prepare to share the healing power of the human-animal bond in their communities.
My work is grounded in empathy, clinical insight, and a lifelong dedication to animal welfare. I regularly volunteer with rescues, foster animals in need, and have worked extensively with horses. At home, I live with two Boston Terriers, a Maltese, and a Sphynx cat—each a daily reminder of the profound bond between humans and animals.
Having personally experienced the heartbreak of pet loss, I understand how grief can leave life feeling stagnant and overwhelming. I support clients in finding ways to honor their beloved companion’s memory while redefining life in their absence. Whether you are seeking support for grief, anxiety, ESA needs, or phobia work, you’ll find a safe and compassionate space here—one that honors your journey and the animals who walk it with you.
🐾 🌈 💜
