Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman

I’m Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCADC) with a Ph.D. in International Psychology, specializing in trauma-informed individual and community psychology. Through my practice in New Jersey, The Diaspora Psychologist, I dedicate my time to supporting marginalized individuals and communities by creating safe, culturally sensitive spaces where they can process identity conflicts, racial trauma, and the emotional toll of witnessing global injustices in real time. As a Palestinian American, I know firsthand the unique challenges of being a "third-culture kid"—constantly navigating between several worlds none of which fully capture all of who I am. I understand what it’s like to feel caught in the middle, balancing cultural pride with the pressures of living in a world that doesn’t always see or understand my experiences. The individuals I connect best with often face similar struggles, navigating multiple identities and balancing family expectations with the desire to create their own paths. Many are deeply resilient, thoughtful, and looking for a place where they don’t have to explain every part of themselves—a space where they can just be.