Anita Barua

As a mental health counselor, I support adults 18 and older as they move through experiences like anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Meeting people where they are matters most to me, especially when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about what comes next. I walk alongside you as you deepen your understanding of yourself and learn gentler ways to work through emotions, and together we focus on building more fulfilling relationships and creating meaningful, lasting change.

I believe in meeting each person with empathy, respect, and genuine curiosity, which helps me be a compassionate and collaborative partner in your healing journey. I also understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult – know that you don’t need to have everything figured out before beginning. I’m here to help you get started as you recognize your strengths, feel more confident navigating life's challenges, and create meaningful change.

I believe meaningful change begins when people feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted for who they are. That’s why I ensure a warm, collaborative, and tailored approach to your care, in a nonjudgmental environment where you can show up as yourself, even when you’re unsure how to put what you’re feeling into words.

Together, we draw on person-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and solution-focused techniques to help you understand patterns, work through difficult emotions, and develop coping skills that feel realistic for your life. My style is compassionate, down-to-earth, and gently encouraging to meet you where you are, move at a pace that feels comfortable, and tailor our work to your individual needs, experiences, and goals.

I grew up in Bangladesh and moved to the United States as a teenager. Learning to find my place in a new culture while staying connected to my Bengali roots gave me a personal understanding of how transitions, identity, language, and family expectations can shape the way we see ourselves and experience the world. I also came to understand how difficult it can be to talk about mental health when you have been taught to stay strong, keep personal struggles private, or put the needs of others before your own.

These experiences helped lead me toward counseling and strengthened my commitment to providing care that is culturally responsive, compassionate, and free of judgment. I bring this warmth, openness, and genuine curiosity to each session so my patients feel seen as whole people, not defined by a diagnosis or by what they are going through.

When I'm not in session, you'll find me dancing, exploring different parts of New York City, trying new restaurants and cafes, spending time in nature, traveling, or staying active. I also value quality time with friends and family and appreciate the simple moments that help me feel grounded and recharged.