Lisa Marie Persaud

Welcome! I’m Lisa Marie Persaud (she/her/hers), a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master of Philosophy in Professional Counseling degree, and a Master of Science in Education in Counseling and Mental Health Services degree, from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater from the City College of New York.

 I’m an existential-integrative therapist trained in providing trauma-informed care and work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment-related challenges to life transitions, grief, chronic pain, and PTSD. I am also passionate about working with individuals navigating spiritual emergencies and existential distress, and provide psychedelic integration therapy, expressive arts therapy, and facilitate dreamwork.

 I have experience working with vulnerable populations inclusive of veterans and their families and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I also work with highly- sensitive persons (HSPs), high performers, higher education students, and artists.

 My approach is intuitive, integrative, collaborative, heart-centered, culturally sensitive, practical, and trauma-informed, and is guided by transpersonal science, psychedelic science, and ecopsychological perspectives. I am sensitive to the interrelatedness of mind, body, and spirit and approach my clients holistically; in other words, as bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings—several theoretical perspectives are integrated and adapted to meet each client’s unique needs, desires, and values. I also have deep reverence and respect for our innate healing intelligence and embrace the archetype of the inner healer. I tend to my clients with radical empathy, non-judgment, and compassion, and strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where their process of individuation can unfold, and trust in their unique gifts is restored.

 I have training in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Training Narrative Therapy (STAIR) and utilize techniques from the following modalities and psychotherapies: Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Logotherapy, Ecotherapy, Compassionate Inquiry, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

My clients have reported a deepened sense of wholeness, enhanced connectedness to self and others, and a greater sense of meaning and purpose, and gratitude and appreciation for life.

 Like many of my colleagues at TCA, I believe that we are all in this together, and that each client is unique, dynamic, and worthy of support, understanding, and love. I know that the process of counseling can seem intimidating and am here to walk alongside you on your path of self-discovery and greater well-being!