Multicultural Therapists in Highland Park, NJ

Photo of Charlesetta (Charlee) Sutton, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Charlesetta (Charlee) Sutton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Waitlist for new clients
Known for my train- the- trainer work, supervision, program development, consultation and systems work I am linked to the MultiCultural Family Institute (Highland Park), Princeton Family Insitute (Princeton), Turtle Island Project (Phoenix AZ), International Black Summit (International) and CTS Group Sutton and Associates (Plainfield).
Quick Fixes - not possible with Charlee. "Know thyself and get through it, around it, into it and out of it" is incorporated in your therapy. Working together you uncover and discover what works and what you need to thrive. Your family of origin, spiritual well-being, socialization, staus in your community, family and work defined by you get included in the work. Begin to understand ways all of this and more contribute to what's happening to you in this moment. Working as a family, individual, couple or group therapist, the goal is to make it all better.
Known for my train- the- trainer work, supervision, program development, consultation and systems work I am linked to the MultiCultural Family Institute (Highland Park), Princeton Family Insitute (Princeton), Turtle Island Project (Phoenix AZ), International Black Summit (International) and CTS Group Sutton and Associates (Plainfield).
Quick Fixes - not possible with Charlee. "Know thyself and get through it, around it, into it and out of it" is incorporated in your therapy. Working together you uncover and discover what works and what you need to thrive. Your family of origin, spiritual well-being, socialization, staus in your community, family and work defined by you get included in the work. Begin to understand ways all of this and more contribute to what's happening to you in this moment. Working as a family, individual, couple or group therapist, the goal is to make it all better.
(908) 332-5098 View (908) 332-5098
Photo of Del Sasso, PsyD, Psychologist
Del Sasso
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
I am a non-binary/queer psychologist, speaker, and consultant with extensive expertise in gender identity/transgender care (PsyPact certified for telehealth in 39 US States). Empowering LGBTQ+ people while creating more affirming mental health, medical, educational, and business settings is my passion. Offerings: 1)Adult Individual Therapy - Let's find and nourish your most authentic self, with a strong, warm relationship between us as the core of our work. Treatment tailored to your goals and strengths, liberation and trauma informed. 2)Surgical, Hormone Evaluations. 3)Speaking/Training for providers, educators, and the public.
I am a non-binary/queer psychologist, speaker, and consultant with extensive expertise in gender identity/transgender care (PsyPact certified for telehealth in 39 US States). Empowering LGBTQ+ people while creating more affirming mental health, medical, educational, and business settings is my passion. Offerings: 1)Adult Individual Therapy - Let's find and nourish your most authentic self, with a strong, warm relationship between us as the core of our work. Treatment tailored to your goals and strengths, liberation and trauma informed. 2)Surgical, Hormone Evaluations. 3)Speaking/Training for providers, educators, and the public.
(732) 410-5142 View (732) 410-5142
Photo of Ruth Goldsmith, MSW, LCSW, (EMDR, EFcT, KAP), Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ruth Goldsmith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, (EMDR, EFcT, KAP)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Hi! Are you tired of being stuck in a rut or can’t get out of your own way? Do you want deeper connnections with others and with yourself? Is your inner critic interfering with enjoying life? Do you want to resolve past traumas and painful memories? Are you craving more sexual intimacy and/or understanding of your sexual self? I will work compassionately and collaboratively with you to heal and develop different patterns and ways of thinking. I will listen carefully to your story and provide your space to increase your awareness, get in touch with your emotions and provide you practical strategies for change.
Hi! Are you tired of being stuck in a rut or can’t get out of your own way? Do you want deeper connnections with others and with yourself? Is your inner critic interfering with enjoying life? Do you want to resolve past traumas and painful memories? Are you craving more sexual intimacy and/or understanding of your sexual self? I will work compassionately and collaboratively with you to heal and develop different patterns and ways of thinking. I will listen carefully to your story and provide your space to increase your awareness, get in touch with your emotions and provide you practical strategies for change.
(732) 333-8729 View (732) 333-8729
Photo of Katarina (Kate) Winkler, LAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Katarina (Kate) Winkler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
If you are new to therapy, not sure you need therapy, or have been frustrated with therapy in the past, I welcome you to a highly transformative, in-depth, and practical approach. I can help you create and maintain the relationships you so desperately want (and sometimes don't even believe you can have). Whether with a potential partner, your wife, your daughter, or your mother-in-law, the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. I offer a powerful combination of challenge, deep listening, honest feedback, plenty of humor, encouragement, and real-life practice.
If you are new to therapy, not sure you need therapy, or have been frustrated with therapy in the past, I welcome you to a highly transformative, in-depth, and practical approach. I can help you create and maintain the relationships you so desperately want (and sometimes don't even believe you can have). Whether with a potential partner, your wife, your daughter, or your mother-in-law, the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. I offer a powerful combination of challenge, deep listening, honest feedback, plenty of humor, encouragement, and real-life practice.
(732) 716-2920 View (732) 716-2920
Photo of Morit Blank: Parenting Coach And Educator, PhD
Morit Blank: Parenting Coach And Educator
PhD
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
It is my passion to empower parents to be the parents they aspire to be and to transform family dynamic challenges into opportunities for joyous communication and connection. I can help you: -Improve communication between you and your children, -Increase consistency in co-parenting, -Reduce your parental stress and anxiety, -Raise independent and confident kids, -Improve the dynamics of the family, -Foster a genuine connection with your children, -Learn alternative disciplinary techniques and reduce the use of punishments, -Gain a peaceful home, -Develop your child's social emotional skills.
It is my passion to empower parents to be the parents they aspire to be and to transform family dynamic challenges into opportunities for joyous communication and connection. I can help you: -Improve communication between you and your children, -Increase consistency in co-parenting, -Reduce your parental stress and anxiety, -Raise independent and confident kids, -Improve the dynamics of the family, -Foster a genuine connection with your children, -Learn alternative disciplinary techniques and reduce the use of punishments, -Gain a peaceful home, -Develop your child's social emotional skills.
(732) 658-0702 View (732) 658-0702
Photo of Margaret Nichols - Institute for Personal Growth — LGBTQ Community, PhD, Psychologist
Institute for Personal Growth — LGBTQ Community
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free. IPG paved the way for other Queer-affirmative therapists. Founded in 1983 specifically to serve the LGBTQ+ community, back when most practitioners viewed it as a mental illness, we are still trailblazers, working with trans/GNC folks, bi/pansexuals, the kink/BDSM community, consensual nonmonogamists, and others who make up the "Q+" in LGBTQ+. You may not want therapy because you are gay, but you likely want a therapist who is not only affirming but knowledgeable. We understand the special issues of LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families, and we provide sex therapy as well.
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free. IPG paved the way for other Queer-affirmative therapists. Founded in 1983 specifically to serve the LGBTQ+ community, back when most practitioners viewed it as a mental illness, we are still trailblazers, working with trans/GNC folks, bi/pansexuals, the kink/BDSM community, consensual nonmonogamists, and others who make up the "Q+" in LGBTQ+. You may not want therapy because you are gay, but you likely want a therapist who is not only affirming but knowledgeable. We understand the special issues of LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families, and we provide sex therapy as well.
(732) 978-4574 View (732) 978-4574
Photo of Melissa Kopel, LSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Kopel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904  (Online Only)
Creating a space for my clients to feel safe, seen, and heard is essential to my practice. Therapy can feel scary and vulnerable, and my goal is to give my clients the opportunity to share their experiences without fear of judgment or shame. I believe that collaboration and open communication are essential in therapy, and I work with my clients to develop strategies that best suit their individual needs. I understand that each client's path is unique, and I tailor my approach accordingly, drawing from various therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and mindfulness techniques.
Creating a space for my clients to feel safe, seen, and heard is essential to my practice. Therapy can feel scary and vulnerable, and my goal is to give my clients the opportunity to share their experiences without fear of judgment or shame. I believe that collaboration and open communication are essential in therapy, and I work with my clients to develop strategies that best suit their individual needs. I understand that each client's path is unique, and I tailor my approach accordingly, drawing from various therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and mindfulness techniques.
(609) 676-2207 View (609) 676-2207
Photo of Margaret Nichols - Institute for Personal Growth — Transgender Care, PhD, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist
Institute for Personal Growth — Transgender Care
Psychologist, PhD, LCSW, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free. At IPG, we are proud pioneers in gender-affirming psychotherapy for trans and gender gon-conforming people. We view gender diversity as normal, not a mental illness. We're likely more experienced than any other practice in New Jersey, with roughly 20% of our clients being gender-diverse in some way, though of course we work with other communities. In 2019 we were awarded a PROUD Award recognizing our decades of work with the trans community. All of our NJ locations (Highland Park, Jersey City, Freehold) have therapists who work with trans/GNC adults, adolescents, and children.
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free. At IPG, we are proud pioneers in gender-affirming psychotherapy for trans and gender gon-conforming people. We view gender diversity as normal, not a mental illness. We're likely more experienced than any other practice in New Jersey, with roughly 20% of our clients being gender-diverse in some way, though of course we work with other communities. In 2019 we were awarded a PROUD Award recognizing our decades of work with the trans community. All of our NJ locations (Highland Park, Jersey City, Freehold) have therapists who work with trans/GNC adults, adolescents, and children.
(732) 481-1767 View (732) 481-1767
Photo of Asmaa Ahmed, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Asmaa Ahmed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904  (Online Only)
You may find yourself ruminating on the past, fixating on the future, succumbing to anxiety and depression, struggling to fortify healthy relationships. You may find yourself internalizing complex traumatic experiences or still coming to terms with who you are and how you see yourself in this world. Regardless of the issue at hand, I’m here to help.
You may find yourself ruminating on the past, fixating on the future, succumbing to anxiety and depression, struggling to fortify healthy relationships. You may find yourself internalizing complex traumatic experiences or still coming to terms with who you are and how you see yourself in this world. Regardless of the issue at hand, I’m here to help.
(848) 276-7810 View (848) 276-7810
Photo of Barbara Gelfand, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Barbara Gelfand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
We all have a desire to be heard, to be understood, and to be soothed. We often yearn for more satisfying and loving relationships. In therapy, I will listen carefully to you as we sort through obstacles that may be preventing you from experiencing greater ease and happiness. I will bear witness to your life stories, acknowledge your successes and struggles, and help you to find renewed resilience, acceptance and change. I'm patient and open-minded, and provide an empathic therapy space. I believe true healing occurs when we take care of our whole self in mind, body and spirit.
We all have a desire to be heard, to be understood, and to be soothed. We often yearn for more satisfying and loving relationships. In therapy, I will listen carefully to you as we sort through obstacles that may be preventing you from experiencing greater ease and happiness. I will bear witness to your life stories, acknowledge your successes and struggles, and help you to find renewed resilience, acceptance and change. I'm patient and open-minded, and provide an empathic therapy space. I believe true healing occurs when we take care of our whole self in mind, body and spirit.
(732) 416-7957 View (732) 416-7957
Photo of Marybreen O'Connor, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marybreen O'Connor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Trust is the most important part of any relationship. It's important to be able to trust others but more importantly to trust yourself. “The true key is trust in self, for when I trust myself I fear no one else, I took control of my life, just as anyone can, I want everyone to see it’s in the palm of your hand, the past is gone, the future yet unborn, but right here and now is where it all goes on”-MCA Beastie Boys. With trust you can increase your connection to others as well as increase your ability to tolerate life’s ups and downs and enjoy life in the moment.
Trust is the most important part of any relationship. It's important to be able to trust others but more importantly to trust yourself. “The true key is trust in self, for when I trust myself I fear no one else, I took control of my life, just as anyone can, I want everyone to see it’s in the palm of your hand, the past is gone, the future yet unborn, but right here and now is where it all goes on”-MCA Beastie Boys. With trust you can increase your connection to others as well as increase your ability to tolerate life’s ups and downs and enjoy life in the moment.
(848) 246-2981 View (848) 246-2981
Photo of Neha Hema - We Rise Therapy- South/East Asian Women Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor
We Rise Therapy- South/East Asian Women Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904  (Online Only)
Are you a 1st of 2nd gen South or East Asian woman struggling with anxiety, self doubt, identity struggles and relationships issues? Are you having trouble keeping up with the demands of work, school, family or social life and it feels like a constant balancing act? Do you have trouble being assertive and confident in your relationships? Are you going through a break up, life transition or just have trouble relating to your parents and family who have different expectations for you? Are you a new mom, expecting or navigating infertility challenges? Being a woman in today’s modern society is hard, but you don't have to be alone.
Are you a 1st of 2nd gen South or East Asian woman struggling with anxiety, self doubt, identity struggles and relationships issues? Are you having trouble keeping up with the demands of work, school, family or social life and it feels like a constant balancing act? Do you have trouble being assertive and confident in your relationships? Are you going through a break up, life transition or just have trouble relating to your parents and family who have different expectations for you? Are you a new mom, expecting or navigating infertility challenges? Being a woman in today’s modern society is hard, but you don't have to be alone.
(862) 245-4369 View (862) 245-4369
Photo of Dr. Siddhi Patel, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Siddhi Patel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am the founder of Meraki Psychology Center (MPC). Whether you’re looking to start therapy for the first time or try something new, I am here to help you rewrite your story and work towards the life you want. At MPC, we strive to embody our name in the services we provide. Everything we do is with 'meraki' or passion. We hope to instill this passion in each of you. We provide individual, parenting & family therapy for adolescents & adults. Each of your identities influence who you are & our treatments are adapted to fit your individualized needs.
Welcome! I am the founder of Meraki Psychology Center (MPC). Whether you’re looking to start therapy for the first time or try something new, I am here to help you rewrite your story and work towards the life you want. At MPC, we strive to embody our name in the services we provide. Everything we do is with 'meraki' or passion. We hope to instill this passion in each of you. We provide individual, parenting & family therapy for adolescents & adults. Each of your identities influence who you are & our treatments are adapted to fit your individualized needs.
(862) 902-2150 View (862) 902-2150
Photo of Shannon Burdick, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shannon Burdick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904  (Online Only)
We're here to help you reach your therapy goals! At Lifebulb, we’ll connect you with the best possible therapist for your unique goals, someone who genuinely cares about helping you. We’re all about making therapy enjoyable for both therapists and clients. Our team consists of highly trained and licensed clinicians who are passionate about the therapy process. Let's work together to achieve your goals!
We're here to help you reach your therapy goals! At Lifebulb, we’ll connect you with the best possible therapist for your unique goals, someone who genuinely cares about helping you. We’re all about making therapy enjoyable for both therapists and clients. Our team consists of highly trained and licensed clinicians who are passionate about the therapy process. Let's work together to achieve your goals!
(848) 224-6193 View (848) 224-6193
Photo of Stephanie Borai, MS, LPC, LCADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephanie Borai
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904  (Online Only)
I welcome all clients who are looking to improve their overall mood and quality of life. I will provide you with support and unconditional positive regard as we work together to explore and challenge the thinking patterns and behaviors that feel familiar yet aren't working in your relationship with yourself and others.
I welcome all clients who are looking to improve their overall mood and quality of life. I will provide you with support and unconditional positive regard as we work together to explore and challenge the thinking patterns and behaviors that feel familiar yet aren't working in your relationship with yourself and others.
(908) 953-9700 View (908) 953-9700
Photo of Joanne Gerr, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanne Gerr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
How many times have you said to yourself, "I've got to stop doing this"? And then you do it again. I know because I've worked with hundreds of people, individually and in groups, who have said the same thing. But together we have found a way to get them unstuck and onto a path of increased self-esteem and happiness. Whether the issue is putting unhealthy food in your body or not effectively communicating, I'm here to help you identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck so that you can take charge of your life.
How many times have you said to yourself, "I've got to stop doing this"? And then you do it again. I know because I've worked with hundreds of people, individually and in groups, who have said the same thing. But together we have found a way to get them unstuck and onto a path of increased self-esteem and happiness. Whether the issue is putting unhealthy food in your body or not effectively communicating, I'm here to help you identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck so that you can take charge of your life.
(732) 247-5112 View (732) 247-5112
Photo of Caroline B. Goldberg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caroline B. Goldberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Searching for a therapist is an important step in attempting to improve the quality of one's life with regard to the inevitable problems we all face, such as relationship to oneself, and others, work/career issues, crises, personal goals, or the search for meaning in our lives. I am deeply committed to a collaborative approach to helping people find more productive ways of coping, make important decisions, sort out confusing and overwhelming feelings, and uncover obstacles and self-destructive patterns that interfere with living more satisfying lives. The fastest way to reach me is by phone: 201 970 7617.
Searching for a therapist is an important step in attempting to improve the quality of one's life with regard to the inevitable problems we all face, such as relationship to oneself, and others, work/career issues, crises, personal goals, or the search for meaning in our lives. I am deeply committed to a collaborative approach to helping people find more productive ways of coping, make important decisions, sort out confusing and overwhelming feelings, and uncover obstacles and self-destructive patterns that interfere with living more satisfying lives. The fastest way to reach me is by phone: 201 970 7617.
(973) 917-8033 View (973) 917-8033
Photo of Yudelka Columna - Healing Road Counseling Services, LCSW, MSW, BBA, Author, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Healing Road Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, BBA, Author, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Do you feel stressed, anxious or depressed? Do you have problems with your partner or your children? Have you been a survivor of abuse? Do you feel like nobody understands you? Do you want to feel happy and enjoy life in your terms? Healing Road is here to help you. Schedule an appointment with us and start your journey to healing and happiness. Te sientes ansioso, estresado o triste? Tienes problemas de pareja o con tus hijos? Haz sido víctima de abuso? Sientes que nadie te entiende? Quieres ser feliz y vivir como quieras? Healing Road esta aquí para ayudarte. LLámanos y empieza tu camino de sanación.
Do you feel stressed, anxious or depressed? Do you have problems with your partner or your children? Have you been a survivor of abuse? Do you feel like nobody understands you? Do you want to feel happy and enjoy life in your terms? Healing Road is here to help you. Schedule an appointment with us and start your journey to healing and happiness. Te sientes ansioso, estresado o triste? Tienes problemas de pareja o con tus hijos? Haz sido víctima de abuso? Sientes que nadie te entiende? Quieres ser feliz y vivir como quieras? Healing Road esta aquí para ayudarte. LLámanos y empieza tu camino de sanación.
(908) 509-6117 View (908) 509-6117
Photo of Alan Winder, PhD, Psychologist
Alan Winder
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
My therapeutic style is empathetic and solution-oriented: I help you identify specific goals and develop the tools you need to achieve them. To do this, I use Insight-oriented & Cognitive techniques to help you understand the emotional patterns that cause you to behave in ways that are harmful, identify the thoughts that are the result of these emotional patterns, and replacing these vicious cycles with more healthy behavioral patterns. These tools allow you to build the skills you need to feel increased calm, improved mood, and live a more fulfilling and happy live.
My therapeutic style is empathetic and solution-oriented: I help you identify specific goals and develop the tools you need to achieve them. To do this, I use Insight-oriented & Cognitive techniques to help you understand the emotional patterns that cause you to behave in ways that are harmful, identify the thoughts that are the result of these emotional patterns, and replacing these vicious cycles with more healthy behavioral patterns. These tools allow you to build the skills you need to feel increased calm, improved mood, and live a more fulfilling and happy live.
(516) 246-2842 View (516) 246-2842
Photo of Tammy Dorff, PsyD, Psychologist
Tammy Dorff
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
(732) 201-2138 View (732) 201-2138
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Multicultural Therapists

What type of therapy is multicultural therapy?

Multicultural therapy is not tied to any specific therapy; rather, it is an overarching approach to therapy that aims to acknowledge and address the influence that factors like race, gender identity, and cultural background can have on someone’s life. Multicultural approaches can be applied to CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and others, and can be practiced with individuals, couples, families, or groups.

What can I expect from multicultural therapy?

Multicultural counseling should be tailored to the client’s unique identity and cultural needs. Such approaches often prioritize the building of trust so that the client feels comfortable exploring various aspects of their identity and any challenges caused by mismatches between their identity and the dominant culture. Beyond that, the format and timeline of therapy will be heavily influenced by the therapist’s preferred therapy approach and the specific problems for which the client sought therapy.

Can multicultural therapy help treat trauma?

Yes. Cultural factors such as racial background, gender identity and or sexuality, and immigration or refugee status can influence both whether someone experiences trauma and how they cope afterward. Multicultural approaches to trauma-informed care will be aware of these influences, helping the client recognize how their response to trauma may be shaped by their cultural background and identify coping mechanisms that take their identity into account.

What are the benefits of seeing a multicultural therapist?

Members of minority groups who seek therapy are sometimes frustrated by providers who don’t understand their cultural background or dismiss the ways in which race, gender, or other facets of their identity influence their lived experience. Seeing a multicultural therapist can help these clients feel seen, understood, and able to develop solutions to life challenges that take their upbringing, beliefs, and past experiences into account.