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.

Clinical Expertise - Specialized Training in DBT and Trauma Treatment

Alka's clinical work is particularly focused on complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has a particular interest in working with people whose emotions, relationships, or behaviors have become difficult to manage, including individuals living with PTSD, borderline personality disorder (BPD), suicidal thoughts, addiction, and patterns that may have developed as ways of coping with profound pain.

Her approach recognizes that understanding where patterns come from is important, but so is learning what to do differently in the present. She works with clients to develop greater emotional stability, build practical skills, and create meaningful change in their lives.

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 training in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

DBT-PE, a protocol created by Dr. Melanie Harned, is a specialized exposure-based trauma treatment that combines the skills and structure of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Prolonged Exposure therapy for trauma. It is designed for clients who have developed greater emotional stability through DBT but continue to experience significant trauma-related symptoms. When appropriate, DBT-PE can help clients safely and intentionally process traumatic experiences while building a life that is not defined by what happened to them.

A South Asian Therapist in New York & New Jersey

As a South Asian therapist and child of immigrants, Alka understands that cultural and family dynamics can be deeply intertwined with mental health. Expectations around achievement, family responsibility, relationships, marriage, independence, and identity can create complicated tensions that aren't always captured by traditional therapy frameworks.

For some clients, therapy involves learning how to honor where they come from while also deciding what they want to carry forward. For others, it means setting boundaries, redefining family relationships, or creating an identity that feels more authentically their own.

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 have experienced trauma, struggle with emotion regulation, or who are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, or a desire to better understand themselves.

Alka’s Approach to Therapy

Alka's clinical style is warm and direct, yet grounded in compassion. She 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 believes therapy should be both compassionate and active. Understanding yourself is an important part of the process, but therapy should also give you the tools and support to translate that understanding into meaningful change.

Experience Beyond Private Practice

Alka's clinical experience extends across several areas of mental health and support. Prior to private practice work, she 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

• A teacher and mentor to middle school and high school students with specialized learning needs

These experiences have shaped her belief that people are more than their symptoms, diagnoses, or the most difficult moments of their lives.

Outside the Therapy Room

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.

Interested in working together?

If you're looking for trauma therapy, individual DBT, or a therapist who understands the intersection of culture, family, relationships, and mental health, reach out to learn more about working together.