Nilay Sanjay Desai, MS, MA, D-TLLP

Beginning therapy for yourself or your child can feel overwhelming, particularly if mental health was not openly discussed in your family or community. You may be encountering unfamiliar terminology, trying to understand a diagnosis, or wondering how best to support someone you love. I strive to provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where no prior knowledge is expected. With me, you can ask questions freely and receive psychoeducation from the basics, helping you better understand mental health concerns and neurodevelopmental differences in yourself, your child, or another loved one.

I am especially passionate about supporting immigrant and South Asian individuals and families while warmly welcoming clients of all cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. Moving through life transitions, adjusting to a new culture, and finding a sense of community can be difficult. Isolation can feel crushing, particularly when you are navigating expectations from multiple cultures or feel that important parts of your experience are not fully understood. In therapy, we can explore these challenges and work toward stronger relationships, meaningful connections, and a greater sense of belonging.

I also understand that parenting a neurodivergent child can bring unique joys and challenges, especially when you were not raised in an environment that recognized or taught you how to understand neurodivergence. Therapy with me offers a place where you can lower your guard, speak honestly about your experiences, and feel understood without fear of judgment. Together, we can develop practical and compassionate ways of connecting with and supporting your child while also attending to your own needs.

Having grown up in a country where English was not the first language, I recognize that English may not always feel natural when speaking about emotions, relationships, or experiences close to the heart. I am conversant in the major south asian languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati and Marathi, so if we share a language in which you feel more comfortable, we can use that as a primary language of communication. My endeavor is to make therapy feel personal and familiar to you rather than make it another task where you have to put on a mask and perform.

I hold master’s degrees in counseling psychology and clinical psychology, with training grounded in cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies. My approach integrates these perspectives with trauma-informed care, allowing us to understand both your present challenges and the experiences and patterns that may underlie them. We will begin wherever you are, work step by step to understand what you are facing, and consider what change is realistic within your circumstances. From there, we will develop strategies tailored to your needs. I will support you in changing what you can and finding acceptance around what you cannot.

Ultimately, I believe therapy should help you become increasingly confident in navigating life independently. My goal is for you to leave therapy with greater self-understanding and practical tools that you can continue using long after our work together ends.