Melek Atalay is a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.) and certified School Counselor in New Jersey. She is bilingual and fluent in English and Turkish. Her specialty areas include depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, and life transition challenges.
Our biological, psychological, and social needs change as we constantly grow. Sometimes, they are fundamental needs like food and shelter; other times, they are job security, love, friendship, or self-actualization. Whatever our needs, when life’s challenges become overwhelming, we may feel confused, lost, or stuck about managing our lives. These are the times that demand support and fresh perspectives.
Believing in each person’s self-healing power to make positive changes and growth, Melek strives to establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship with her clients. She emphasizes that recognizing the unwanted fears, beliefs, and thoughts that control our lives is essential in changing how we act and view our world. She aims to support clients in identifying and practicing the values that would make their lives meaningful. Accordingly, she utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin.