Malekapukhrajbanu Qureshi

My name is Maleka Qureshi, and I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 15 years of experience. I work with young adults and adults, offering culturally sensitive therapy in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Gujarati. My expertise includes mental illness, substance-related disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, school performance, and goal setting. I use various psychotherapy techniques to help clients overcome negative patterns and achieve personal growth, viewing therapy as a collaborative process where your strengths drive lasting change.

My approach

My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness techniques, and Culturally Sensitive Therapy. These methods help clients address negative thought patterns, regulate emotions, and develop skills for managing stress and anxiety effectively. I often use CBT to guide clients in identifying and challenging distorted thinking, leading to more balanced emotions and behaviors. DBT complements this by teaching emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills, helping clients find balance in challenging situations. Mindfulness techniques are woven throughout the therapy process, encouraging clients to remain present and aware of their thoughts and emotions without judgment. This helps them reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and build resilience. By integrating mindfulness, clients can learn to slow down, recognize automatic reactions, and respond in healthier ways. In addition, Culturally Sensitive Therapy ensures that the therapeutic process respects and aligns with each client's cultural values, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. My approach is collaborative, with an emphasis on empowering clients to leverage their strengths and insights to achieve lasting personal growth and well-being.

My focus

I typically work with young adults and adults, including those with dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance-related disorders. I am most comfortable treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, relationship conflicts/issues, low self-esteem, and problems related to school performance and goal setting. My approach is tailored to address these challenges and support clients in achieving personal growth and fulfillment.

My communication style

In my sessions, I create an open-minded, caring, and empathetic environment. I tailor my approach to each client’s personality and preferences, ensuring that the therapy process feels supportive and personalized. Working with me, clients experience a nonjudgmental space where they can freely express themselves and collaborate toward their goals.

My journey to mental healthcare

My personal journey into counseling has been deeply shaped by my experiences and the inspiring figures in my life. I have been profoundly influenced by my mother’s kindness and my oldest sister Gulshan, who, despite suffering from paralysis at a young age, remained a nonjudgmental and kind soul. Observing the different ways people treated her, despite her unwavering compassion, has significantly impacted my approach to therapy. Growing up, I also witnessed the effects of domestic violence in my community and saw how stigma and fear often prevented individuals from seeking help for mental illness due to concerns about family reputation and judgment. These experiences fueled my commitment to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment for my clients. To enhance my skills, I pursued further education after earning my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. I sought additional training in Psychodynamic and counseling approaches and worked as an HIV/AIDS counselor. I then decided to pursue a second master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling to deepen my expertise and better support my clients.

My goals for you

In my sessions, I foster a supportive and empathetic environment, adapting my approach to fit each client's personality and preferences. When it comes to goal setting, I collaborate with clients to identify their personal aspirations and challenges, setting realistic and meaningful goals that align with their values. We break down larger goals into manageable steps and regularly review progress to ensure that the goals remain relevant and achievable. This supportive process helps clients feel empowered and focused as they work towards their personal growth and fulfillment.

My first session with you

During the first session, which I refer to as a "meet and greet," clients can expect a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment. We will discuss their reasons for seeking therapy, their goals, and any concerns they might have. I will gather information about their background and current challenges to better understand their needs. Together, we'll outline the therapy process, establish initial goals, and discuss how we can best work together to support their personal growth and well-being. This initial meeting is designed to build rapport and create a collaborative foundation for our work together.