Fariha Sattar - Associate Psychotherapist
The biggest gamble you can take in life is exploring the fears, questions, and stories that shape how you move through the world. Therapy offers a space to examine those narratives—ones we often create for protection, survival, or what we believe to be our truth—and gently explore what might need to shift.
Growing up in a family and culture where mental health wasn’t openly talked about helped me realize how vital it is to make space for healing. Everyone deserves access to compassionate, culturally attuned therapy in New York—without shame, stigma, or barriers.
I discovered my path — recently receiving a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Hunter College, and through undergraduate studies in Culture Deviance and Counseling at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, both in New York City.
I take a holistic approach to therapy, drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and person-centered care. I often use CBT to help clients recognize unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors while also creating space for new, empowering ways of being. I believe you should feel in control of your healing journey, and I’m here to walk with you—not ahead of you.
For the past five years, I’ve worked in the human services field supporting people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, family dynamics, and relationship challenges. I provide individual and couples counseling, and I’m especially passionate about working with adults from marginalized communities.
When you're ready to reflect, heal, and grow, I’ll be here to support you—at your pace, in your way. Book a session today and take the next step.
In Fariha’s Words
What's your go-to strategy for helping a client get "unstuck" or out of a rut?
Ruts and feeling stuck are common experiences for everyone. To support a client who is in this situation, I focus on helping them recognize patterns from past experiences and how they coped. Understanding this helps determine if their past coping strategies were effective or if it needs to be tailored to fit their current situation. While coping strategies are crucial, addressing the emotions and behaviors that accompany these experiences is equally important as it can influence the outcome and set a precedent for navigating future ruts.
I knew I wanted to become a therapist when…
I knew I wanted to become a therapist when Professor Alam Schramm taught Psychology of Human Sexuality. Growing up in a culture and family where discussing sexuality was considered taboo, I was struck by how he approached the subject with a profound respect for each student’s beliefs and provided comprehensive education without judgment. It was in his classroom that I realized the transformative power of creating a safe, non-judgmental space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings.