Who I am
Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey. I am first generation Latina, born in Bogota, Colombia. Coming from a culture that minimized the importance of mental health, I made it my mission to make it my career and normalize getting help for our psychological and emotional challenges. I was naturally inclined toward women’s mental health as my environment exposed me to the prevalence of abuse towards women & the silence that followed it. I became committed to empowering all victims of abuse by being a container for them to process unresolved trauma.
“My intention as a therapist is to create a nurturing environment where individuals heal and end up feeling worthy & enough.”
Natalia Velandia, LCSW
My Approach
I approach therapy with an intersectional lens, acknowledging the identities, challenges, and ecosystems that are unique to each patient and empathizing with each one. All emotional pain is experienced differently, which means healing will look different for everyone as well. This is why my approach is integrative, incorporating different trauma-informed therapeutic modalities to be able to meet the different goals and needs of each individual. Incorporating cognitive-behavioral, EMDr, mindfulness, and inner parts work.
How it’s like to work with me
I am human first, therapist second. This is represented in the therapy room by providing a laid-back and warm environment. No one wants to talk to someone who makes them feel intimidated and throws a bunch of clinical jargon at them. I will not force/advise or tell you what to do. We will always collaborate on treatment. I want you to be comfortable so that you can feel safe. You can expect me to be gentle but direct, to bring comedy when appropriate, to provide silence when needed, and to go at your pace.
Other experiences that shaped my path
Obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Montclair State University
Worked as a Youth Counselor at an adolescent group home for young girls with emotional + psychological challenges
Obtained a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University
Worked as a Bilingual Therapist for a non-profit sexual violence center providing individual and group counseling + worked on the sexual abuse hotline
Worked as a Bilingual Therapist for a non-profit domestic violence center providing individual + group counseling
Worked as a Behavioral Health Clinician for a for-profit healthcare company providing individual counseling for folks ages 18+ struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, Panic Disorder, Chronic Pain, Postpartum Depression
Who Do I Support Best
I work with anyone 18+ who has unprocessed trauma and it is impacting their present situations
I work with survivors of gender-based violence whose experiences of abuse impacted their self-esteem and the ways they connect with themselves + others. I also work with their significant others/family members who have also been impacted by their loved ones’ experiences of trauma.
I work with BIPOC millennials and adult children of immigrants who don’t feel enough, who are masking their struggles and engaging in avoidant behaviors, and who want to heal from their generational trauma.
My Approach
My counseling philosophy is a vibrant mosaic, enriched by PsychoSpiritual insights, Somatic practices, Strength-based approaches, and mindfulness, woven together with an innovative theoretical framework in development called Dynamic Wellness Theory. My practice is deeply rooted in a commitment to inclusivity and allyship, proudly standing with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals of all races, nationalities, and religions. Trained in a wide array of modalities including Reichian psychotherapy, Gestalt therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Applied Positive Psychology, I craft a personalized path to healing for every individual who enters my space. My approach is designed to offer a sanctuary for transformation and growth, where each person is seen, valued, and understood in their entirety, affirming my dedication to fostering an environment of safety, respect, and profound healing for all.
Who I am
Hello! I’m Abraham Sharkas, holding the role of a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey and a Nationally Certified Counselor, with my path currently unfolding towards a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. My formative years were spent in the Middle East, immersed in the rich tapestry of Circassian-Jordanian culture—a wellspring of spirituality, philosophical depth, and poetic tradition. This heritage, newly embracing mental health's significance, introduced me to "Ilm al Nafs" or the Study of the Self, a principle that deeply informs my counseling ethos. My journey bridges academic rigor with the richness of diverse cultural insights, fueling my commitment to forging an empathetic, inclusive space. I am passionately dedicated to supporting first-generation immigrants, refugees, and individuals across the spectrum of humanity, emphasizing the universal right to understanding, care, and psychological wellness.
Abraham Sharkas, LAC, NACC
“"In the quiet spaces between thoughts, transformation finds its voice."
”
How it’s like to work with me
Imagine stepping into a space where you are truly seen, heard, and deeply understood. Here, your journey is not just honored; it’s celebrated, and your essence is nurtured. You might find yourself feeling a sense of safety, acknowledgment, and the inspiration to venture down new paths and embrace perspectives that once seemed hidden. Our focus on the 'here and now' ensures our connection is rooted in authenticity and mutual respect. Together, we will explore, discover, and revel in the unveiling of your most authentic self, unburdened and free. This journey is tailored for you, embracing your unique identity and experiences, ensuring a healing path that is both accessible and affirming.
Who Do I Support Best
● Adults Across All Genders (Aged 18 - 65): This includes men, women, and non-binary individuals, especially those dealing with chronic depression and anxiety, and those who may have felt underserved by previous therapeutic experiences.
● Couples: Applying a Strength-Based Approach along with techniques from the Gottman Method to help couples navigate and strengthen their relationship.
● Men Facing Challenges: Creating a supportive space for men grappling with difficult experiences, trauma, or societal pressures around expressing vulnerability.
● Seekers of Deeper Meaning: For anyone on a path to find a higher purpose, engage in self-discovery, or explore personal spirituality on their own terms.
Other experiences that shaped my path
● Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and endorsed by the American Psychology Association Psi Chi Honors Association.
● Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and endorsed by Chi Sigma Iota, the Honors Society associated with the American Counseling Association.
● Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University.