Therapists in Ewing, NJ

Buddhism teaches us that change is a fundamental truth of the healing process. I love to support people negotiating change and life transitions. Change is undoubtedly hard, and anxiety, depression and grief often accompany it. Fortunately, so does new growth. I specialize in attachment and relationships and believe they are the foundation of our ability to heal. I support people through separation and divorce, perinatal and postpartum adjustment, parenting and co-parenting, family conflict, grief and loss, trauma and racial identity development. As we heal our relationship with self, we show up more fully in relationship with others

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” I believe that every individual has within themselves the resources they need to take actions towards creating the changes that will align with their values and purpose. Being a bicultural individual, I am able to see things from two different perspectives, which helps me remain open and adaptable to various personal values and ways of life. I pride myself on my ability to create a space where you would feel comfortable and understood to express your concerns and emotions freely.

Have you been feeling stuck with your negative emotions? Do you still feel sadness and emotional pain after years of treatment? Does it seem that no one understands your problems and that you feel “alone”? There is no simple formula to solve unwanted and unresolved emotions. I work with chronic anxiety and trauma, including generational trauma. In my practice, I emphasize the mind and body connection and incorporate Eastern philosophy to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman is a counseling psychologist specializing in trauma services and community psychology, holding a PhD in the field. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed clinical drug and alcohol counselor (LCADC) based in New Jersey, working with clients globally. Prior to establishing her private practice, Dr. Shirin was a program coordinator for a NJ adolescent substance abuse program, where she developed treatment curriculum for group and family therapy. Later, she worked as a community liaison for this program and three others in New York, coordinating psychiatric and substance abuse care.

Hi there! Each of us navigates life uniquely, and you possess the greatest expertise in your own journey. I believe in the power of a client-centered approach, where together, we will explore your strengths, values, and aspirations. I bring a holistic and integrated approach to supporting individuals toward healing and growth. As an LCADC, I am also committed to providing empathetic, evidence-based care to support the families of those affected by addiction to achieve lasting positive change. Building an authentic relationship based on trust, respect, and confidentiality is paramount in my practice.

As a first-generation Asian-American born to immigrant parents, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and an advocate for the Deaf community, I believe that an individual’s cultures and communities are key factors in their self-actualization.

Life poses obstacles. We can help you navigate them towards a life more fulfilled, joyful, and meaningful. Our team at Change of Mind Counseling is committed to providing focused guidance when you need it most - when going it alone feels overwhelming and hopeless. Whether you see habits and long to change them, or are tired of worn out ways of being, tired of reliving patterns that feel too difficult to confront alone. We can help you find the disconnect between what you are currently experiencing and who you want to become. We believe each person has potential to grow and become happier at any age, through difficult circumstances.

I am skilled at working with clients from diverse backgrounds, who struggle with mood disorders, substance abuse, addiction, depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, and identity issues. In most cases, it is hard to find a counselor clients can connect with. I am dedicated to understanding the unique struggles of clients–therapy is never a one-size-fits-all approach. I am trained to help clients figure out tangible solutions to issues and develop skills to meet their goals.

If you are here, it is likely because you are going through something difficult and challenging. Perhaps you and your partner are not getting along - frequently fighting, spending less time together, or struggling to figure out how to move forward in your relationship. You might also be here because individually something just isn't feeling right. You might notice you've become depressed or anxious. Perhaps you feel alone or confused.

I work with individuals, couples and families, to help them overcome difficulties and build strength. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, difficulties with life transitions, and communication and relational struggles. "Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength" - Sigmund Freud.

Many of us feel like we are stuck in the same old patterns that no longer serve us. Or like we are “doing it all” while feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled. In working together, we will explore the challenges that come with finding balance in life. You wear so many different hats! Lets work together to discover how you can disrupt the cycles (including intergenerational ones) that keep you feeling stuck.

You have had days that make you feel like switching off the sun, crawling underneath your skin, and checking out from this catastrophic cantankerous world. You have been emotionally shipwrecked by life, fragmented by negative experiences, and you feel broken beyond repair. Yesterday was too much, today you're drowning in the sea of despair; and, tomorrow should not see the light of day. Existing feels like too much to ask, survival seems impossible, and you're thinking, "I can't do this..." Maybe you can't, but we can, and we will. You may feel alone, but you are not alone. You may sway and bend, but you will never break.

Do you feel frustrated? Frustration tells us that we want something to be different.I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I assist in helping others improve their mood (anxiety, depression, bipolar ), process complicated grief, chronic health complexity and many other issues. During therapy sessions, you will always be treated as a unique person with your own specific needs. It takes courage and perseverance to find a therapist that fits your needs. I encourage you to schedule a 15 minute call with me.

My approach to therapy is practical With over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults I focus my energy with clients on the present. I help my clients identify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are creating difficulties for them. I will help you use skills you already have or develop new techniques for managing difficulties in your life. If issues from the past are keeping you from managing your present life we will work together to neutralize issues from the past, so you can manage current life stresses with current, more effective techniques.

Are you in a state of fear and worry due to the uncertainty of the current pandemic? Are transitions such as too much time at home, loss of your usual coping strategies, or changes in routine stressing you out? Or have you been considering therapy for a while and now is the perfect time? I specialize in anxiety management and trauma therapy and can help! I strive to provide you with strategies and tools to help you begin seeing the changes you desire in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. I understand that seeking therapy is a challenging and courageous step for anyone to take. I am offering online sessions to start your journey now.

It can be difficult to open up about your personal struggles to a stranger. Many racial/ethnically diverse clients find it to be a distinct challenge: “we can’t find a therapist who understands our cultural/religious beliefs & it is too emotionally exhausting to explain it.” In this journey of self-exploration and coping with life’s struggles, the last thing you need is a counselor that you need to educate, feel fearful to talk to about culturally sensitive issues due to judgment or stereotypes, or to feel retaliation from someone who is supposed to provide you a safe space. Natasha aims to create this space for everyone she sees.

Have you thought about therapy before, but were worried that you'd be misunderstood or judged? Did you grow up in an environment where asking for help was seen as a sign of "weakness"? Do you find yourself not wanting to share your thoughts, feelings, and needs in your relationship because you're worried about "saying the wrong thing" and how your partner will react? Whether you're facing challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family dysfunction, addictions, racism, or other obstacles, my goal is to help you discover your strengths, deepen your relationships, and live closer to your most authentic self.

Each day we are faced with decisions. Whether in our personal, familial or professional lives, we strive to make the "best" decision possible. How can we feel OPTIMISTIC and JOYFUL about those decisions? I believe that when we are able to harness our positive emotions, we make better decisions. As your therapist, I will help you to not only understand your current thinking pattern, but also help you to utilize the positive aspects of your day to day life.