where we are all a work in progress…
Esra Sahsuvaroglu, LAC

Adults:
Life has asked a lot of you, and somehow you've found a way to keep going. You've adapted to every challenge, taken on new responsibilities, and continued moving forward even when things felt uncertain. But lately, you may have noticed that you're simply getting through each day rather than truly experiencing it. The days pass quickly, and somewhere along the way, you've begun to wonder when you stopped feeling connected to yourself.
Grief can make it feel as though life has been divided into "before" and "after." Whether you've lost someone you love, a meaningful relationship, or a version of the future you had imagined, the absence can feel overwhelming. While others may tell you that "time heals," you may still find yourself wondering if you'll ever feel like yourself again.
Major life transitions can be just as unsettling. Relocating, starting a new career, changes within your family, or other unexpected shifts can make it feel like the stable foundation you've worked so hard to build is no longer there. Even positive changes can leave you questioning your identity and where you belong.
For first and second-generation immigrants, those questions of identity often become even more complex. Balancing the expectations of your family with your own values while navigating multiple cultures can leave you feeling caught between two worlds, never quite feeling like you fully belong in either.
Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to carry it alone. Therapy with me will offer a space to slow down, understand what has been weighing on you, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been overlooked while you were simply trying to get by.
Teens:
Growing up often means making more decisions than ever before while still trying to figure out who you are. Between school, friendships, family expectations, and planning for the future, it can feel like everyone expects you to have the answers before you've even had the chance to ask the questions.
As you think about college, your future career, friendships, romantic relationships, or the pressure to make the "right" choices, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it can seem like every decision carries enormous weight, leaving you anxious about what comes next.
Self-image can also become a constant source of stress. Comparing yourself to others, whether online or in everyday life, can leave you questioning your worth or wondering why you don't measure up. Thoughts like, "Why can't I be more like everyone else?" or "What's wrong with me?" can become difficult to quiet.
Even when you're surrounded by people, you may still feel alone in what you're experiencing. It can seem as though no one truly understands what's going on beneath the surface, making it difficult to open up or ask for support.
Therapy with me will provide a space where you don't have to pretend everything is okay. Together, we'll explore what's been happening beneath the surface, helping you better understand yourself, navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, and build a stronger sense of who you are.
My Approach:
My approach is grounded in psychodynamic and relational therapy, which means we take time to explore the patterns, emotions, and experiences that may be influencing your present life. While gaining insight is an important part of the process, therapy is also about creating meaningful change, strengthening your relationship with yourself, and helping you move forward with greater self-trust and self-compassion.
I believe one of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship we build together. My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted while also feeling supported in your growth. I approach therapy with curiosity and compassion, recognizing that your experiences, relationships, culture, and identity all shape the way you see yourself and the world around you.
Our work will be tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're processing grief, navigating a life transition, struggling with anxiety, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, we'll move at a pace that feels right for you. Along the way, we'll make space for difficult emotions, strengthen practical coping strategies, and explore the values and relationships that give your life meaning.
As someone who values multicultural awareness, I recognize that culture, family, identity, and life experiences all shape how we experience the world. My goal is to create a collaborative space where every part of your story is welcomed and respected.
A Little About Me:
I earned my Master's degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. I work with adolescents and adults and provide therapy in both English and Turkish.
If you're considering therapy, I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation so we can discuss what brings you in, answer any questions you may have, and determine whether we're a good fit to work together.
