Lola Sadai (she/her) MA

“The therapist under the supervision of Dr. Ripplinger was able to help me process some of the things I needed help with.”

Working together…

Living in New York City is no easy feat. Between the work stress, constant news, and pressure to succeed in the ever evolving and complicated world, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, disconnected, and burnt out. When exhaustion becomes the norm, it’s easy to start questioning what it’s all for.

That universal struggle—the tension between surviving and actually living—is at the heart of what I help clients explore. My clients are straight and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples looking to break out of outdated coping strategies and thrive in their lives and relationships. In our work together, I offer a warm, grounded space and actual tools to make the changes you long for.

I support professionals and college students navigating anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, and existential questions about purpose or identity. My approach draws from CBT, ACT, mindfulness-based practices, and psychodynamic therapy to help you build clarity, resolve past traumas, and reconnect with what matters most.

As a former dancer and yoga teacher, I’m attuned to how emotion and trauma live in the body. When words aren’t enough, we may gently explore the mind-body connection through “bottom-up” processing, tapping into the wisdom of emotions and felt-sense. This can be a powerful way to release what’s stuck and come home to yourself.

Therapy with me is collaborative, creative, and human. I’ll walk beside you with compassion and curiosity as we uncover the insights and tools that can move you forward toward more peace, more meaning, and a life that feels more like your own.

Education and Experience…

I bring over 15 years of lived experience and a longstanding commitment to personal growth to my clinical training. Before joining Sentient, I worked in the hospitality industry, where I developed strong interpersonal skills and a keen sensitivity to what makes people feel comfortable, respected, and understood.

Earlier in my career, I worked as a movement artist and teacher. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for how the body holds emotional memory, which continues to inform my approach to therapy today.

I’m originally from New Jersey and earned my undergraduate degree in Art History from Barnard College. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Hunter College and am completing my clinical residency at Sentient Psychotherapy under the supervision of founder Joy Ripplinger, LMHC-D.

Life is too heavy to carry alone. I’m here to help.

Call 646-586-3311 to schedule your free, 15 minute consultation.

Or click below to book your first session today.