Sunlight falling into a sandstone slot canyon

Light always finds the way.

Monique Lang, LCSW · Psychotherapist, teacher & author

Monique Lang, LCSW, smiling outdoors among yellow blossoms
Born in France • Raised in Central America • Practicing in New York Since 1980

Meet Monique

“I love to create experiences for people to connect with their authentic Self. I love to be in and create community.”

Monique, from her story

Born in France and raised in Central America, Monique has lived in many countries. She says that moving so often helps her understand each person’s background and way of seeing the world.

Her work brings together Western psychotherapy—Internal Family Systems, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR—and older practices like mindfulness, Reiki and shamanism. She loves the wilderness and silence, and makes room for both in the retreats she leads.

“Her knowledge is understated but profound, her humor a delight.”

Heather Herz, LCSW, on supervision with Monique

Read Monique’s story →

Ideas she returns to

Three ideas at the heart of Monique’s work

Our short summaries of themes that run through Monique’s writing, with her own words beside each one.

01

The parts that protect us deserve curiosity.

Most of us carry ways of coping that once kept us safe. Rather than fighting them, Monique helps people get to know these protective parts with curiosity and respect, so the healthy core beneath them has room to lead.

“I come from the premise that we all have a healthy core and that my job is to companion you in connecting with that core.”

Monique, on her work as a psychotherapist

02

Healing can move at your own pace.

Deep work doesn’t have to take over the rest of your life. You decide how far and how fast to go, and the work can leave room for the everyday: your work, your family, your rest.

“I will go with you to any depth that you want to go.”

Monique, from My Work

03

Nature and ritual can mark what matters.

Simple ceremonies—a walk in the woods, a few words written and let go, a candle lit—can help people reflect, connect with others, and mark life’s transitions, from grief to new beginnings.

“a way to mark and commemorate the events of your life”

From the description of her book Meditations and Ceremonies for Healing

The four elements

Earth, water, fire and air

In her earth-based psychotherapy trainings, Monique teaches how the four classical elements can support reflection alongside talk therapy. Each one, she writes, has properties “that can be used for letting go and bringing in.”

A ceremonial arrangement of stones, corn, feathers and flower petals on woven cloth
From Monique’s photo archive

Earth

Grounding & belonging

Earth is about grounding: feeling supported, returning what has grown heavy to the ground, and drawing strength back into body and mind.

Learn about earth-based psychotherapy →
A waterfall pouring over a dark rock face into a clear pool
From Monique’s photo archive

Water

Flow & letting go

Water is the element of cleansing and flow. It can help people let go of what they have been carrying and make room for movement again.

Learn about earth-based psychotherapy →
Flames rising from a fire pit at dusk
Stock photograph

Fire

Transformation & vitality

Fire both ends and ignites. It can help mark the close of an old belief, and call in passion, courage and energy for what comes next.

Learn about earth-based psychotherapy →
Mist over forested hills beyond a green garden
From Monique’s photo archive

Air

Breath & perspective

Air is the element of the mind—of thoughts and inspiration. Breath and wind can help put heavy thoughts at a distance and bring in fresh energy.

Learn about earth-based psychotherapy →

Earth-based practices are offered alongside psychotherapy, not in place of it, and Monique shares them as reflective tools rather than as treatment for any condition.

Monique Lang smiling cheek to cheek with Tatiana Dávila
Monique with Tatiana Dávila
Steam rising from a stone-edged hot spring pool in a garden
From Monique’s travels
A purple flower among green leaves

Teaching & community

Learning together, in good company

Monique has taught at the Omega Institute, Kripalu and the New York Open Center, and she often co-leads with healers and therapists she admires.

“I delight in connecting with people and connecting people with each other for their mutual growth and success.”

Monique, from her story

Coming up

Held periodically

Cacao & Tobacco Ceremony

The Delavan Center, Syracuse · with Amy Assante and Megan Thomas

November 19–22, 2026

Women’s Healing Retreat, Puerto Rico

Currently full · waiting list open

December 11–13, 2026

Tobacco Ceremony and Healing · Family Constellation

Syracuse, NY · Tatiana Dávila & Monique Lang

February 20 – March 2, 2027

A Sacred Journey Through Egypt

Ancient temples and desert initiation

August 13–15, 2027

Releasing Insufficiency: IFS & Shamanic practices for Self Empowerment

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

Recently

August 2026

Shamanic Healing & Medicine Journey

Ecuador

January 2024 & 2025

Earth-Based Psychotherapy training

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, with Leslie Baker

Autumn 2023

Healing Through Generations

Online series with Tatiana Dávila and Daphne Fatter, PhD

“Monique is knowledgeable and grounded in classic psychotherapy as well as in indigenous ceremonial practices. Her wisdom is a gift and she is a wonderful person to learn from.”

Lisa T., LMFT, Syracuse, a participant in Monique’s training

Dates are as listed on Monique’s current site. Please get in touch to confirm details and availability.

Workshops & trips →

Books & recordings

Books by Monique

Cover of Healing from Post-Traumatic Stress: A Workbook for Recovery

Healing from Post-Traumatic Stress: A Workbook for Recovery

McGraw-Hill

A recovery workbook for survivors of many kinds of trauma, from life-changing accidents and losses to everyday tragedies.

Buy the book →
Cover of Meditations and Ceremonies for Healing

Meditations and Ceremonies for Healing

A handbook for personal growth and wellness

Mindfulness-based meditations, plus simple ceremonies for marking the events and changes in your life.

Download a free copy →
Cover of Journey to Wholeness: Healing from the Trauma of Rape

Journey to Wholeness: Healing from the Trauma of Rape

With Vicki Aranow

Information and self-reflective exercises, with one part for healing over time and one for those recently assaulted.

Download a free copy →

I’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re curious about therapy, a workshop, supervision or an evaluation, a short note is a good place to start.

Syracuse, New York 917.816.2789 moniquelanglcsw@gmail.com