Sharmishtha Gupta

I am a Counselor/Psychotherapist with over 6 years of experience. My journey to develop my own sense of self has played a significant role in my calling to help adolescents and adults navigate their unique issues around cultural identity, adjustment, assimilation, and multicultural families and relationships. I take a multicultural, feminist, and cognitive-behavioural approach to therapy which is informed by multiple schools of thought including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Systems, Attachment Theory, and Relational Psychotherapy. I am passionate about social justice, and believe that the therapeutic process is a unique, powerful, collaborative and professional relationship that has the potential to help foster awareness, change, and growth.

Specialities

ANXIETY AND PANIC DISORDERS
DEPRESSION
GENERAL RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES (FAMILY, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS)
LGBTQIA+
TRAUMA AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
PERSONAL GROWTH AND SELF-ESTEEM
ADHD/ADD
LIFE TRANSITIONS
GRIEF AND LOSS
RACE AND ETHNICITY
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
TCK IDENTITY AND EXPERIENCE

Finances

$$$$$

Training

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Master of Education in Psychological Counseling
Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling

What kinds of treatment or therapy do you provide?

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy
Children & Youth Counselling
Narrative Therapy

What language can you conduct the session in?

English, Hindi

What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?

Since graduating and completing my 3000 supervised hours to gain licensure in New York State, I have continued with regular paid supervision and peer consultation. I believe that to be a competent and ethical mental health professional, it is vital that we are continually staying connected with ongoing support and professional guidance. I also regularly engage in continuing education through trainings, workshops, and courses.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try therapy?

It's really normal to have doubts or concerns about therapy, especially if you have never given it a go before. A therapeutic relationship is a unique one, and it takes some time and effort to find the right fit of therapist. There are a lot of different styles and personalities out there and it's important that you feel comfortable, safe and supported in the therapy space. A consultation call is one way to gauge whether someone may be a good fit. Before I start working with someone, I will have a quick call with them to discuss their reasons for seeking therapy, goals they may have, and what they are looking for in an effective therapist. There is no commitment needed for this, so why not give it a try?

What kind of training have you had in working with the LGBTQ population?

I studied under the Sexuality, Women, & Gender Project at Teachers College, Columbia University during my Masters training. Since working in the field, I have worked with several clients exploring their gender and sexuality and have engaged in continuing education and peer consultation to make sure that I am providing ethical, knowledgeable, and trauma-informed care to clients. Importantly, if I am not an appropriate fit I will do my best to connect the client to therapists who may be a better fit.