Therapists in Oyster Bay, NY

The goal in therapy is to become the best version of yourself. My clinical specialties include working with adult and older adult clients with anxiety, depression, intergenerational trauma, grief and loss, anger and stress management, relationship stress, and support for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. Our mind and body have a fascinating connection, and we would explore methods of healing from a number of techniques that pull from Western and Eastern medicine. Additionally, I am passionate about exploring and treating unique stressors associated with late-life to promote positive aging in our community.

Nirja understands the therapeutic work to be collaborative & believes in intently listening to the individual’s perspectives, and works from a warm, empathetic and relational approach in the sessions. She integrates therapeutic elements of Relational-Psychodynamic theory and incorporates DBT and Mindfulness interventions, tailoring the therapeutic sessions to the individual’s needs.

I am a licensed psychotherapist who works with individuals, adolescents, families, and couples treating a broad range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, identity and relationship concerns. I integrate elements of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, as well as psychodynamic and mindfulness techniques to help you gain awareness and autonomy over your day to day functioning.

I use a client-driven approach when working with clients. I will ask guiding questions to assist clients to learn more about themselves, strive to have clients to self-identify root causes of certain patterns and behaviors that they are experiencing, and provide encouragement to clients to strengthen their self-esteem and confidence. I use Internal Family Systems, DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Coaching, and Family Dynamics Therapy systems.

Many of the clients I work with suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationships issues. I prefer using different evidence based techniques, depending on what the particular need of the client is. I work with a lot of children, adolescents, and young adults utilizing play therapy, art therapy, and career counseling. I also work with a lot of adults, taking a holistic approach to enhance ones social & emotional well-being; which combine to support the individual as a whole. I believe that when we focus on an individual as a full person, and not just a sum of their parts, we can reach them on every level.

Psychotherapy provides a unique space through which a new relationship with oneself and others can be forged. Change in patterns of feeling and relating can be achieved through a process of exploration of and reflection on one's deeply held beliefs, convictions, and values, and past and present experiences. My approach is collaborative and informed by psychodynamic perspectives. I strive to facilitate meaning, understanding, and empowerment through close attention to the details of one's internal life and external context. Many of the individuals I work with enter psychotherapy to work through depression and anxiety related to struggles with identity, relationships, loss, trauma, and migration.

I approach therapy through a multicultural lens, aiming to guide clients through a journey of wellness helping clients gain skills for optimal living. I take a holistic approach to therapy including mindfulness and meditation. I am trained in multiple theories such as humanistic theory and relational-cultural theory. I also draw from narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and trauma informed therapy when necessary.

Reaching out for help shows personal strength and the courage to change. A therapist who understands you can help guide you toward a feeling of inner resilience. I specialize in treating trauma, emotional suffering, relationship issues, and psychological stress. I provide care that meets your individual needs to empower you as you explore, process change, and learn to be present with what is.

My practice focuses on helping individuals work through the self-defeating patterns that have created feelings of depression, anxiety and/or a general sense of feeling "stuck."

With today's societal norms and stigmas, so many of us are hurt, misunderstood, rejected, outcasted, and isolated to the point that we often become hesitant to seek out help. Over 11 years of clinical experience and treating hundreds of diverse patients, I have learned as human beings we all want the same thing: to be seen, heard, supported, accepted, connected, appreciated, and loved. So here I am; ready, willing, and committed to breaking through barriers with you - by offering a listening ear for your story and a safe space where we can explore, freely and authentically, without bias and without judgment.

For many people, having a therapist who may look like them, shares a similar culture or community as them, and/or understands the complexities of juggling the Eastern vs Western cultures are vital for the success of their therapeutic journeys. That's where I come in. For the majority of my time in this field, I've been a therapist to folks from within the BIPOC & South Asian diaspora, to immigrants & children of immigrants, and to survivors of gender-based violence & trauma. My expertise in providing culturally aware services and a safe space for complex histories can support you in reaching your most authentic and well self.