Senior Therapist
Eli Cunniffe is a Licensed Master Social Worker dedicated to helping adolescents and young adults develop a greater sense of purpose, resilience, and self-acceptance as they navigate life’s challenges. He believes therapy works best when clients feel they are relating to another human being first and a clinician second, and he strives to create a space where clients feel understood, accepted, and appropriately challenged.
Eli’s clinical work is grounded in a humanistic and relational framework that emphasizes trust, curiosity, and authentic connection. Drawing from contemporary psychodynamic and psychoanalytic perspectives, he helps clients explore recurring patterns in relationships, emotions, and self-perceptions while developing insight into how past experiences continue to shape the present. He integrates this exploratory approach with practical, evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing.
Eli has extensive experience working with young adults facing substance use challenges, mood disorders, grief and loss, identity concerns, relationship
difficulties, and major life transitions. He approaches recovery and mental health treatment with compassion rather than judgment, recognizing that meaningful growth occurs when individuals feel both supported and challenged. Prior to joining New York Center for Living, Eli served as a Senior Therapist at The Dorm NYC, where he facilitated substance use recovery groups and grief-focused programming within a multidisciplinary treatment community. His previous experience includes outpatient substance use treatment, youth mentoring, and community-based mental health settings throughout New York.
Eli earned his Master of Social Work from New York University, where he specialized in substance use treatment, and his Bachelor of Social Work from Binghamton University. Outside of his clinical work, he enjoys hiking, camping, playing guitar, sports, martial arts, and is always up for a game of chess.
We help young people, individuals and their families develop a strong foundation of recovery that supports principled decision-making, healthy choices, and adaptive life-stances. Let New York Center for Living be the first step towards your family’s health and well-being.
