Psychotherapist Brooklyn, NYC
Diana Dasraj,
LCSW, Clinical Supervisor
Growing up in an Indo-Caribbean family, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of a community that had a lack of access to mental health education and resources to help understand and process these issues. This deeply influenced my decision to pursue a career in mental health. My journey began in high school with a keen interest in psychology, and it evolved significantly during my college years where I majored in forensic psychology and a master’s in mental health counseling. Initially, I envisioned working within the prison system, but my experiences with clients reentering society made me realize the importance of proactive, rather than reactive, mental health care. This led me to pursue a master’s in social work. Since 2011, I have mostly worked in a psychiatric hospital setting, where I dealt with psychosis, crisis interventions, and outpatient care. The pandemic brought significant changes, and I transitioned to private practice.
As a therapist, I specialize in working with Gen Z and millennials, focusing on intergenerational trauma and life transitions. My therapeutic process is integrative, combining psychodynamic work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Psychodynamic therapy helps clients explore and understand the deep-seated issues influencing their current behaviors, while CBT offers practical, actionable steps to address these issues. I also incorporate elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when appropriate, tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
Clients often seek me out because of my background and shared cultural experiences. They appreciate that I understand their values and challenges without judgment. One common piece of feedback I receive is about the impact of working on boundaries, and clients developing greater self-confidence, and learning to assert their autonomy. This has led to significant improvements in their relationships and overall life satisfaction.
Outside of my practice, I am passionate about baking and enjoy seeing my treats bring smiles to people’s faces. I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s relaxing at the beach or riding my bike. These activities, especially when shared with my husband and daughter, help me unwind and practice self-care. Balancing my professional and personal life is essential to maintaining my own well-being and being the best therapist I can be.
Specialties:
- Life Transitions
- Intergenerational Trauma
- BIPOC & Asian Mental Health
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Depression
- Relationship Issues
- Stress Management
- Women’s Issues