Maria Diaz is an energetic, ambitious and highly efficient leader with impeccable critical thinking skills consistently delivering excellence. She has proven track record to exceed performance standards and leverage diversity. She has experience with developing, coordinating and managing community-based and private independent programs.

She provides recovery-oriented services that recognizes individuals' rights of self-determination, shared decision-making and collaborative work. A clinical style that embodies empathy, compassion, cultural awareness and interactive engagement techniques.
 

In 2009 she graduated with her master's in counseling, and in 2017 she earned an Advanced Certificate of Mental Health Counseling, 

 

She's been in the field of Mental Health for almost 20 years and has held various roles as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). She has served as a Clinical Director at a non-for-profit organization in Westchester County and currently holds a position as Adjunct Professor for the Graduate Counseling Department at Mercy College.

 

As a trauma therapist, she has been extensively trained and experienced in EMDR therapy. With a deep understanding of trauma-related disorders, she is equipped to guide clients through the healing journey with sensitivity, empathy, and expertise. She believes in providing a safe and supportive environment where clients can openly express their emotions and struggles.

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She was born and raised in East Harlem also known as Spanish Harlem and has lived throughout New York City's five boroughs. She has also lived in New Paltz, Albany, Saratoga and Wilton, NY.  She's a wife and a mom of two amazing children, who keep her busy. Self-care is very important to her. She starts every morning with prayer, meditation, journaling, and a good workout. 

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As a Mental Health Advocate, I give speeches all over the nation to reduce stigma around Mental Health and encourage people to seek professional counseling, rather than “just talking to a friend about it or not talk about their problems at all”. As a Pakistani, Muslim immigrant who
came to America with no knowledge of mental health, I understand how the confusion of identities, societal pressure to fit in and cultural differences can create emotional turmoil. Being in the mental health field for over 7 years, has allowed me to evolve as a Mental Health
public speaker, who helps those with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideations, as well as individuals with trauma.

I serve a purpose to help those that have a hard time feeling their feelings. I believe ending stigma is recognizing the power of words and their ability to create thoughts, feelings, experiences, memories, and even realities. Mental health is recognizing the power of those
feelings because they can cause a person to do things they normally might not do. They can create distress and dysfunction in someone’s daily life.

 

Listen, you and I are not the only people having a hard time feeling our feelings. The world is. Sometimes it feels easier to not talk and avoid conflict by repeating unhealthy patterns that feel comfortable and safe for us.

Over the years, I have used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and even aspects of play therapy to help clients develop skills and understand their emotions and behaviors. In conjunction with psychodynamic therapy, we can work together as a team to bring back control over your life, with an  emphasis on two things; you should only listen to understand others without trying to react and you cannot change anyone, but yourself.

Hi there! I’m Harneet, and I’m here to walk alongside you on your unique journey. As a clinical resident therapist with several years of experience in neuroscience research and mentorship, I bring a blend of academic knowledge and practical skills to our work together. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University, and I strive to offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.

 

As a first-generation South Asian woman, I understand the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities, expectations, and generational pressures. Whether you’re balancing traditional and modern values or grappling with the weight of family expectations, I’ve been there. My personal experiences allow me to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you’ll feel truly seen and supported as we work through your unique challenges.

 

My passion for counseling stems from my own life experiences and a deep commitment to providing inclusive, empathetic mental health care. With a background in healthcare, I’m dedicated to offering compassionate support for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, identity struggles, relationship issues, life transitions, and more. My approach is flexible and collaborative, ensuring we tailor our work to fit your individual needs.

 

Together, we’ll explore your strengths, process challenges, and develop practical strategies for healing and growth. Thank you for considering me as your therapist—I’m honored to support you and look forward to working together.

My name is Yerely Abreu. I am an undergraduate intern at Living Purpose Mental Health Counseling. I am currently an undergrad student at the City College of New York and am majoring in psychology. During my time with Living Purpose MHC, I will be helping with quality assurance and assisting with public relations. 

 

I identify as Dominican and am very proud of where I came from. I was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the US when I was 9 years old. Coming from an immigrant household such things as mental health are not taken very seriously. 

 

During my internship I intend to use my learning experience towards my future career as a child therapist. I believe that what shapes us as people comes from what we experience as children.