LMHC, 10 years of experience
New to Grow
I’m Zunaira Mian, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY) and Licensed Professional Counselor (CT) dedicated to providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and life transitions, using evidence-based approaches like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and REBT. My style is collaborative, structured, and attuned to each client’s values and lived experience. I strive to create a safe, empowering space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported in their growth.
In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and exploring what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, personal history, and goals, while also sharing how I work and what you can expect from our time together. This is a space for you to speak freely and feel heard. Together, we’ll begin identifying priorities and building a plan that feels supportive, culturally attuned, and tailored to your needs.
I bring a structured, culturally responsive approach to therapy that blends evidence-based methods with deep empathy and adaptability. I’m skilled at helping clients clarify goals, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build sustainable coping strategies—especially when navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, or relationship stress. I tailor interventions to each client’s identity and values, integrating CBT, MI, and REBT with clear, accessible guidance that helps clients understand their emotional patterns and apply practical tools for change.
I work well with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, anger, and relationship challenges. Many are high-functioning but overwhelmed, seeking clarity, emotional regulation, and meaningful change. Whether you're feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to begin, therapy with me offers structure, compassion, and culturally responsive tools tailored to your goals. I create a space where your values and lived experience are honored, and where growth is supported with evidence-based strategies and genuine care.
I regularly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, build adaptive coping strategies, and strengthen emotional regulation. I tailor CBT interventions—such as SMART goals, mood tracking, and structured homework—to each client’s cultural and clinical needs. It’s a core part of my trauma-informed, evidence-based approach to care.
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore ambivalence and strengthen their internal motivation for change. It’s especially effective in reentry support, substance use recovery, and goal-setting work. I apply MI through reflective listening, affirmations, and open-ended questions that honor client autonomy while guiding them toward actionable steps. It’s a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach that aligns well with my trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice.
I incorporate Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to help clients identify and challenge irrational beliefs that contribute to emotional distress. In practice, I guide clients through the ABC model—activating event, belief, and consequence—to build awareness and reframe rigid or self-defeating thoughts. REBT complements my structured, goal-oriented approach, especially when working with clients navigating perfectionism, shame, or high self-criticism.