Nisha Sundararaj
She/Her/Hers
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHCShe/Her/Hers
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHCHi, my name is Nisha Sundararaj, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor located in Rhode Island. I enjoy working with students and young adults who are navigating life transitions. I have experience working with students of all backgrounds, identities, and mental health goals. Many of my clients struggle with stress, burnout, relationship conflicts, confusion about life goals, and other common issues. I have worked with many international students who seek support as they get used to living in the United States, especially in high pressure environments like higher education. I am passionate about working with women who are starting to think about getting pregnant. I also have experience supporting clients pre and postnatal as they adjust to motherhood.
My approach to therapy is relational, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed, making sure all sessions feel safe and secure to my clients, especially those with trauma backgrounds. I build strong trust with my clients and never push them to disclose information they aren’t comfortable sharing. I utilize a therapy modality called Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Through this therapy, clients learn how to identify irrational beliefs. Mixing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), clients also learn how to identify negative thought patterns that lead to distress. I bring warmth and compassion to my sessions. As an immigrant and previous international student myself, I provide clients with the opportunity to ask questions about the logistics and technicalities of therapy so there’s no discomfort with the process.
I became a therapist after earning degrees in computer science and business. I know firsthand the stress that comes with identity shifts during self-growth. I strive to provide clients with a space to talk openly about their struggles, and offer an empathetic ear as I teach useful coping skills.
College & graduate student mental health - Specialized strategies for common issues of young adulthood, including school and career stressors, support around healthy relationships, existential concerns, drug or alcohol issues, eating disorders, and anxiety and/or depression.
Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Addressing issues specific to women and families during the pregnancy and postpartum period, including postpartum depression and anxiety
Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse
Cultural adjustment - Acclimating to a new environment; managing stress and coping with feelings of loss and separation from familiar people and places
Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating
Women's issues - Therapy tailored to common concerns among women; providing a safe and understanding space to address life challenges, stressors, and questions around identity as a woman
Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.
Nisha can assist in completing paperwork for clients to be directly reimbursed by their insurance for an out-of-network provider.
Years of Experience: 14 years
RISD, Crisis Counselor & Case Manager, 2020 - Present
Women's Resource Center, Counselor, 2023 - Present
CCRI, Counselor , 2015 - 2020
Community care alliance , Clinician , 2009 - 2015
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, Therapist , 2008 - 2009
Immaculata University, Masters in Counseling, 2009
Madras University, MBA, 2006
Madras University , Bachelors in Computer Science, 2003
Rhode Island: MHC00784
English
Hindi
Tamil