Biography

Maham Raja is a doctoral student in School Psychology at Adelphi University. She is fluent in English and Urdu and conversational in Hindi, which helps her connect with clients and families across diverse cultural backgrounds. Maham earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University Post, where she was honored with the Distinction Award in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She completed her undergraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at Punjab University and Beaconhouse National University in Pakistan, graduating with a Distinction in Research .Her clinical journey has taken her across hospital, school, and private practice settings. At South Oaks Hospital, she supported children and adolescents in the inpatient unit, offering individual, group, and family counseling under supervision. She drew on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing to help youth in crisis, conduct risk assessments, and provide compassionate, evidence-based care. During her undergraduate training, she also worked with children on the autism spectrum, applying behavioral strategies and specialized educational approaches to nurture growth and learning. Maham has also trained in several school settings, including Baldwin Middle School, New Hyde Memorial High School, and the Dodd community. In these roles, she provided counseling and interventions, conducted psychoeducational assessments, and developed Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA). She worked side by side with families, teachers, and administrators, participated in CSE, CST, and Section 504 committees, and engaged in restorative practices of which deepened her understanding of how schools can foster both academic success and emotional well-being. She has also had the privilege of supporting immigrant and non-English proficient individuals facing socio-emotional challenges. Drawing from CBT, DBT, Client-Centered Therapy, psychodynamic approaches, trauma-informed care, and art therapy, she tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs. Previously, at Psychological Services Long Island (PSLI), Maham provided counseling for adolescents and adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and relational difficulties. She offers both in-person and Zoom sessions, recognizing that every client has different needs and comfort levels.M aham is especially passionate about creating safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental spaces where children, adolescents, and families feel truly seen, heard, and valued. Inspired by Rumi’s words, “The wound is the place where the light enters you,” she approaches her work with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and deep respect for each person’s story. Outside of her professional life, Maham enjoys traveling and exploring new places, embracing her adventurous spirit. She is happily married and a proud new mom to a baby boy—an experience that has further enriched her appreciation for the joys and complexities of child development. In her free time, she finds inspiration in the works of Brené Brown, Gabor Maté, Bessel van der Kolk, and Daniel J. Siegel, whose insights on healing, connection, and resilience continue to guide her both personally and professionally