Lakshmi Haferman, Counselor

My ideal clients are individuals who may feel disconnected from themselves after navigating environments that required survival, masking, or self-abandonment. Many are exploring questions of identity, belonging, relationships, and healing while carrying the impact of trauma, systemic oppression, family conflict, adoption or foster care experiences, or marginalization related to race, gender, sexuality, faith, or culture.

The clients I work with often seek deeper self-understanding, emotional safety, authenticity, and connection. They want to heal from past experiences, strengthen their relationships, and develop self-compassion so that they can build meaningful lives that feel aligned with their values and identities. 

My approach to therapy is person-centered, deeply relational, and grounded in liberation psychology. I understand mental health within the broader context of systemic oppression, identity, culture, and collective struggle. I view healing as both a personal and political process that is nurtured through therapeutic collaboration, curiosity, and compassionate witnessing.   I integrate elements of narrative therapy, parts work, multicultural frameworks, social justice principles, and creative expression to help clients reconnect with themselves, reclaim their stories, and recognize their inherent strengths.   In deepening the connection to ourselves, we create space to imagine new possibilities. Together, we can explore what a meaningful, authentic life looks like for you and take intentional steps toward the relationships, goals, and dreams that feel most aligned with your values.

Reaching out for therapy can feel daunting, especially if you have had experiences where you felt misunderstood, are carrying more than your share, or are trying to navigate difficult experiences on your own. You don't need to have the right words, a clear plan, or everything figured out before you begin. Therapy is a space where we can start exactly where you are. If something in my approach speaks to you, I encourage you to reach out.  Finding the right therapist is important, and I would be glad to connect with you and learn more about what you're hoping to find in therapy.