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Sarah Zhang, MHC-LP

She/ Her

Tier II Therapist

I was deeply touched by a quote from German psychologist Karen Horney, “the human being has an inbuilt propensity toward self-realization; if obstacles are removed, the individual will develop into a mature, fully realized adult, just as an acorn will develop into an oak tree.”
 
I firmly believe in the inherent strength within each of us to become blooming trees. Whether it be past suffering, current helplessness, or uncertainties about the future, my mission as a mental health counselor is to help you remove obstacles and awaken your inner strength on our journey towards self-actualization.

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We probably had tried to ignore or avoid obstacles, only to find ourselves entangled in more intricate predicaments later. Along with my growth as a counselor, I felt that all thoughts, actions, and emotions are invaluable, and by becoming aware of our feelings and accepting ourselves, we can unlock the hidden powers within us. I honor the uniqueness of your story and dedicate myself to supporting you through every experience.
 

I offer English and Mandarin services, and I offer weekday and weekend online and in-person sessions.

I believe that embracing complexity and uncertainty and learning to listen to our inner voices, is a transformative process.

My Story

As someone who has personally struggled with body image concerns in a society that promotes anorexic ideals, I am deeply passionate about researching body image and eating disorders. With my ongoing engagement and experience in the field of mental health, I came to realize that many of our mental struggles stem from internalized societal voices. I have learned to externalize these unhealthy messages and cultivate a healthier relationship with both food and my body, despite the societal pressure around weight and appearance. 

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I hope to develop a niche in this area and make a difference in promoting a healthy relationship with our bodies. In addition to my journey, as a Chinese international student in the US, I have witnessed and experienced firsthand the cultural differences and challenges of adapting to a new environment. These experiences have given me a deeper understanding of how our backgrounds and life experiences shape our perception of the world we inhabit. Therefore, I am motivated to advocate for more attention to our psychological well-being in group and social contexts, especially in cultures and communities where mental health-related issues remain stigmatized. 

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I believe that embracing complexity and uncertainty and learning to listen to our inner voices, is a transformative process. As your therapist, I am here to accompany you on this journey, helping you navigate the interplay between your inner feelings and external challenges. Together, we can work towards achieving personal growth and fostering a more positive relationship with ourselves and the world around us.

Therapeutic Approaches

My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic therapy and evidence-based practices, including Relational Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Mindfulness. I also apply structural models when working with families and couples. By creating a safe and relaxing environment and building up a trustful therapeutic relationship, we will explore the most helpful interventions together.

Specialties

If you had ever struggled with various solutions to change your appearance or were trapped by the monotonous aesthetic standard; if you had difficulty being active in social situations because of your appearance; if you felt panic, guilty, ashamed, or anxious when thinking about food…I appreciate your bravery in challenging your inner critical voices, and I’m happy to help you rebuild the balance between yourself, your body, and your food. I specialize in incorporating CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy), ACT (Cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (Dialectical behavioral therapy), and Intuitive Eating as evidence-based approaches for body image issues and disordered eating behaviors. 

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I also specialize in helping Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) individuals figure out their best-fit life pace. I am also experienced in addressing concerns related to anxiety, depression, self-image, self-esteem, life transitions, adjustment issues, and interpersonal and intimate relationships.

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Having worked with international students, teenagers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and racial minority populations, I am dedicated to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive care.

Credentials 

  • License: New York States/Mental Health Counselor -Limited Permit (MHC-LP)P122829

  • Supervisor: Huilin Lai, LCSW: R081942

  • Degree: New York University - M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness 
    Degree: New York University - B.A. in Psychology

  • Advanced Training: EMDR Basic Training from The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy (09/2023-02/2024)

​More About Me

My childhood dream was to become a pâtissier (pastry chef)! Feeling food dancing on my taste buds and creating food with my own hands was the most therapeutic activity I could ever imagine. I am exploring what kind of relationship we should build with food and how we can make food our soulmates right now! You are more than welcome to join me!

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