(she/her)
Hi! I am Rajitha Pillai (Raji), Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, inclusive of experiences from India and in the US. I have earned my Master of Science Degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. I am basically a Clinical Psychologist, REBT Therapist and Hypnotherapist from India. I also hold a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology and also has a Postgraduate diploma in Clinical and Community Psychology from India. I work with individuals, couples, families who are navigating a variety of life challenges whether it is anxiety, relationship issues, stress or any other life issues. I use REBT, SFBT, CBT and other techniques to make a positive change in their lives. My approach is collaborative and goal focused. I create a supportive, safe, nonjudgemental and welcoming space where we can work together to move forward towards your preferred future. You will be leaving each session with clarity and direction. Basically I am here to provide you with meaningful and lasting change. If you are open to it, I would love to learn more about what brings you here and what you are hoping to get out of therapy.
In our first session together, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, respected and supported. We'll begin by talking about what brings you to therapy and what you are hoping to get out of it -whether that's clarity around a specific issue, support through a difficult time, or help moving toward a personal goal. I will be asking some thoughtful questions to better understand your strengths, what's already working in your life, and what change would you expect further. You don't need to have all the answers - that is something we will explore together. We will start identifying small and meaningful steps forward from the very first session. You can expect the session to feel structured with a focus on progress and not just problems. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, supported, and to leave that first session with a sense of hope and direction. Most importantly, this is your space, and I will meet you where you are with warmth, professionalism and care as we begin this work together.
What sets my approach apart is that it is both structured and deeply supportive. I use REBT and SFBT to help clients make progress without getting stuck in the past. Instead of spending months analyzing the problems, we will focus on "what's working, what you want to change, and how to get there - one step at at time." I create a warm, respectful, welcoming space where you will feel safe to be yourself, while offering clear guidance to help you move forward. My method is goal oriented yet flexible, so whether you want short-term support or long-term personal growth, we'll work in a way that fits your needs. Most of my clients have left the sessions feeling more focused, more hopeful, and more in control of their next steps. We won't just talk, we will build solutions together - therapy that's practical, empowering and focused on your future.
While I welcome people from all walks of life, I find that I am best positioned to serve individuals who are ready to explore change and are seeking a practical, goal-focused approach to personal growth. These are the individuals who are ready to focus on change and move forward. I work best with teens, adults, couples or families who are facing life's challenges and are ready to make meaningful change. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or just feeling stuck, I offer a supportive space where you can begin to move forward. My approach is structured, practical, goal focused, and affirming. I use REBT, SFBT and CBT techniques to help you clarify what you want life to look like. I believe in holistic healing thereby bringing out the feeling of what we all desire: ‘A life worth living’. My goal is to bring out the best in you and help you to outgrow from your issues in a meaningful way. I am here for both short term support when you need a quick direction and longer term work when you are ready to go deeper. If you are looking for therapy that's goal-oriented but grounded in warmth and respect, we may be a great fit.
As an LPC, I use Motivational Interviewing with clients across all age groups. Its collaborative and empathetic style allows me to support clients in resolving and exploring their values, and strengthening their motivation to change. MI allows me to create a respectful, client-driven space that honors each individual's stage of life and unique goals. It's a flexible, powerful tool that enhances engagement and outcomes in my counseling practice. MI includes techniques like reflective listening to strengthen therapeutic alliance and promote client autonomy.
I incorporate the use of REBT, which is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into my counseling work with clients from adolescence through late adulthood. REBT's focus is on identifying and disputing the irrational beliefs that allows me to help clients by better understanding the connection between their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. It helps individuals to identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs that contribute to stress, anxiety or low self-esteem and can be tailored to each person's developmental stage and needs. This approach consistently leads to increased emotional regulation, improved self-esteem and lasting behavioral change.
SFBT is a collaborative, goal-oriented therapy that empowers individuals to create positive change by focusing on their strengths, resources and the future they want to build. Rather than dwelling on problems or the past, SFBT helps my clients to uncover what's already working and explore practical steps to move forward quickly and effectively.