Photo of Miriam Varghese, PsyD, Psychologist
Miriam Varghese
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Plainview, NY 11803  (Online Only)
Many of us live life feeling fragmented, disconnected, and alone. We desire deep and meaningful connection but often shy away from truly being known. We feel unsure about change, and we hold onto the way things are, even if it no longer serves us. The more we avoid, the more stuck, anxious, and depressed we feel. As your therapist, I work hard to help you feel unstuck. I meet you with full acceptance and hold space for you to bring all of yourself (yes, the messy parts, too!) into our relationship. You don't have to be ready or committed to change in order to seek therapy. In fact, you can benefit greatly just by being curious.
Many of us live life feeling fragmented, disconnected, and alone. We desire deep and meaningful connection but often shy away from truly being known. We feel unsure about change, and we hold onto the way things are, even if it no longer serves us. The more we avoid, the more stuck, anxious, and depressed we feel. As your therapist, I work hard to help you feel unstuck. I meet you with full acceptance and hold space for you to bring all of yourself (yes, the messy parts, too!) into our relationship. You don't have to be ready or committed to change in order to seek therapy. In fact, you can benefit greatly just by being curious.
(516) 980-2653 View (516) 980-2653
Christian Therapists

Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?

Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same belief system or background to be able to work effectively together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience in tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of culture, religion, and other factors on each individual.

Why is it important to find a therapist sensitive to Christian values?

Each person brings a unique history and background to therapy, making it important to find a licensed therapist who is trained in a broad range of treatment modalities. In addition, for people who grow up in a faith tradition that strongly influences the way they conduct their everyday life, finding a therapist who understands or shares that background can ease the disclosure of sensitive information and facilitate the therapeutic process. For some clients, a Christian therapist is likely to incorporate faith-based principles into emotional healing techniques.

How do I recognize an effective Christian therapist?

Christian therapists are licensed mental health professionals—holding a master’s or doctoral degree in medicine, nursing, psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy—who are also familiar with Christian beliefs and values. They have an understanding of the importance that Christian principles play in the lives of individuals and families, which allows them to be especially sensitive to the kinds of struggles that can affect daily functioning. Like all effective therapists, a Christian therapist will have undergone training and certification in a variety of treatment modalities that help people through crises and enable them to master the challenges of life.

Why might someone feel comfortable with a Christian therapist?

While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has long established that a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns but also shares a client’s faith and values. Sensitivity to spiritual matters as well as to everyday struggles can provide a welcome sense of safety and contribute to the bond between client and therapist, both of which support the therapeutic process.

Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Christian therapists?

The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation.