Lynnell Herzer

Lynnell Herzer, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher.  She earned her MSW at NYU and has completed post masters certificates in Advanced Clinical Practice and Clinical Approaches to the Addictions.

Lynnell’s clients were her inspiration for getting trained in MBCT. Working as an addictions counselor she observed how clients could self-reflect and define the changes they desired. On a cognitive level they could reframe unhelpful negative thought patterns and build roadmaps for recovery. Yet clients regularly shared that the insights accessible in the safety of the therapist’s office were often a distant buzz when triggered emotionally in real life.  She teaches mindfulness skills as a key to help people take their insights and intentions out of the therapist’s office and into the day-to-day moments of their lives, where their intended life changes happen. 

Lynnell’s training, skills and qualifications

in 2013, Lynnell sought professional training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to enhance her skills as a therapist. She studied with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli in a 5-day intensive training and began integrating the powerful teachings of mindfulness into her work with her therapy clients. She studied CBT with Greg Crosby and taught an 8-week group at the Actors Fund. In teaching CBT, it became clear that the key to applying CBT insights in real life requires the skills of mindfulness, and MBCT taught the two empowering skill sets in one group. She joined the training path toward MBCT Certification, and completed her Teacher Training Intensive in 2020, studying with Zindel Segal, Pat Rockman and Carl Fulwiler.  She introduced MBCT and taught meditation sessions at the Actors Fund while studying in an apprenticeship with Donald Fleck. She was certified as a Trained MBCT Facilitator in 2022, and as a Certified MBCT Teacher and Mentor in 2025.  

Lynnell is passionate about teaching MBCT. Comments on evaluations from participants in Lynnell’s groups best share her teaching skills, expertise and passion for the work:  

- “I gained confidence in listening to my feelings and choosing what my reaction with be”

- “The principles and support have been life altering. The entire course will support and stay with me all my life, and I look forward to continuing the journey. And going deeper”

-  “My anxiety/depression manifests often as brain fog, a heaviness that makes it difficult to think. I often have tried to run from that or avoid tasks that cause anxiety and procrastinate with other things. But by practicing, actually feeling that fog, I am able to move through it which is revolutionary.”  

-  MBCT is “the beginning of a lifelong skillset”

Mindfulness   

Lynnell has been practicing mindfulness meditation for over 20 years and teaching mindfulness for over 10 years. Lynnell’s first formal training in Mindfulness Mediation practice was in 1999, on a 3-week intensive retreat in Vakala, India. Her personal practice deepened and became more regular as she applied the skills in managing hurdles in her own life. Mindfulness gave her an anchor of internal stability in managing a marital separation and guided her in becoming a more patient and compassionate single parent. The impact on her own life inspired her to share mindfulness with others.

Lynnell has a daily formal practice, practices with a weekly sangha, and integrates mindfulness into her work and relationships. She has deepened her practice with annual silent retreats, and has attended retreats lead by Pema Chodron, Sharon Salzberg, Pat Rockman, and Blakie Sahay. She now has a particular interest in helping others get through difficult life transitions with more ease and joy. She teaches mindfulness in times of grief and loss, to family care givers, those struggling with addiction and recovery, health challenges, and managing career and financial stress.  

Special Interests

 Lynnell has a passion for group work with the magical blend of psychoeducation, self-reflection and increased self-awareness and mutual support. Learning is expedited and insights are exponential when members share their diverse perspectives in a safe space. Lynnell has experience in psychodynamic group therapy, MBCT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and sobriety maintenance groups.  With 1 1 years of experience as a supervisor in a social service agency, she has also developed and led many practical workshops, coaching clients in reaching goals such as living on a fixed income, finding affordable housing, and cultivating happiness.  

Lynnell loves to hike, paint and play with photography. She finds joy in the arts and peace in nature, whether in the mountains or close to any body of water.

Offerings

Lynnell teaches MBCT, the Mindful Workshop, and provides individual and group therapy, helping clients address difficult life challenges. 

Contact

Email: lmh336@nyu.edu
Phone: 718-406-6586