Alka is a mental health counselor, licensed in NY & NJ, who works with individuals and couples navigating complex emotions, difficult histories, and life stressors. She was drawn to this work out of a deep commitment to supporting people who often feel misunderstood, including those living with trauma, borderline personality disorder, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. Alka believes that even the most stigmatized symptoms are rooted in profound pain and sadness, and that no one should have to face that alone.

Her clinical style is warm and direct, yet grounded in compassion. Alka balances an exploration of the present with an understanding of the past, helping clients untangle what no longer serves them while building tools for the life they want to create now. She especially loves helping people think about themselves in new ways, with less judgment and greater kindness. Clients often leave sessions feeling both seen and motivated, with emotions that feel more manageable and perspectives that feel more open.

Alka has a special connection to working with children of immigrants, members of the South Asian and queer communities, and people navigating identity questions. At the same time, her practice is open to all, and she works with individuals from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, or a desire to better understand themselves.

Alka has been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) by Dr. Charlie Swenson and in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy - Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) for trauma by Dr. Melanie Harned. She has additional trainings in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Prior to private practice work, Alka worked as an addictions counselor at an outpatient substance abuse facility, an executive functioning coach to college students with Autism in the Bridges to Adelphi program, a responder on the suicide crisis hotline and as a teacher/mentor to middle school and high school students with specialized learning needs.

Outside the therapy room, Alka values creativity, connection, and curiosity. She believes healing often starts with giving yourself permission to imagine something different for your life and taking steps, however small, toward that possibility.