Amna Waqar Chaudhry

Works with Ages 20-60 years

M.A. in Applied Psychology - Counseling for Mental Health & Wellness | New York University | Fulbright Scholar
Having struggled with the decision to seek therapy myself, I understand that it takes courage to acknowledge and take action towards bettering one’s mental health. I congratulate you on taking this first step. I view therapy as an opportunity to understand oneself, as a form of self-care, and a well-deserved time dedicated to just one’s own needs. Therefore, my therapy style is collaborative: we will work together in setting goals and working towards them. I want to create a supportive environment for us to engage in an open and honest dialogue, which will form the basis of our work together.

Therapy Approach:

I follow an integrative approach combining Psychodynamic Therapy with elements of Cognitive Behavior therapy. I modify my technique according to the needs of my clients, but my overall approach is relational, feminist, and narrative. The relational aspect allows me to focus on the interpersonal relationship formed between myself and my clients. The feminist perspective on therapy enables me to form a partnership with my clients, acknowledging that many of the challenges in our lives arise due to cultural, societal, professional, social, and religious factors that impact us. The narrative perspective holds that each individual is an expert on their own life, and as a therapist, I facilitate my clients in understanding and re-writing their stories to move towards being healthier, happier, and more fulfilled.

Areas of Interest:

Credentials:

M.A. in Applied Psychology – Counseling for Mental Health & Wellness as a Fulbright Scholar from New York University (Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development)

B.Sc. (Honors) in Anthropology and Sociology with a minor in Psychology, from Lahore University of Management Sciences
Current Positions:

  • Co-founder and therapist at Zaaviyah Mental Health Services
  • Adjunct faculty for Psychology at Lahore University of Management Sciences

Further Experience & Certifications:

  • Psychotherapist under supervision at Training Institute for Mental Health, New York. Primarily worked with adults ranging from ages 20 to 45 years old struggling with anxiety, depression, minority stress and identity issues, relationship issues, and suicidal ideation (September, 2018 – May, 2019)
  • Certification in Mandated Reporter Training: Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment, sponsored by New York State Office of Children and Family Service (May, 2019)
  • Certification of Training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (for trauma) awarded by Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (March, 2019)
  • Certification of Training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression and Suicide received at Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Philadelphia (taught by Aaron Beck and Judith Beck, August, 2018)