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Afsha Merchant

IL LCPC 180.018689
Credentials
IL LCPC 180.018689
NPI Number
1558936153
Location
Illinois
Languages
English, Hindi, Spanish, Urdu
Afsha Merchant

Accepting new clients

7 years experience | Counselor of Color
Work with me

About Afsha Merchant

I’m a therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges. My work centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where you can explore your concerns without judgment.

I specialize in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I’m particularly skilled at addressing self-esteem concerns, communication patterns, social anxiety, relationship conflict, and attachment issues. Whether you’re working through grief, body image struggles, workplace stress, or the complexities of identity and belonging, I’m here to support you.

I bring cultural awareness and responsiveness to my practice, recognizing that your unique background, experiences, and identity shape your journey. I’m committed to honoring your whole self—including your values, relationships, and lived experiences—as we work together.

My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based practices including Somatic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Gottman Method. I believe in meeting you where you are, listening with genuine curiosity, and walking alongside you as you build insight and move toward meaningful change. Starting therapy takes courage, and I’m honored to be part of your healing journey.

Licenses

LCPC
180.018689

Professional experience

  • Depression
  • Relationship issues
  • Self esteem
  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Trauma and abuse

Additional Focus Areas

  • Abandonment
  • Adoption and foster care
  • Attachment issues
  • Autism and Asperger Syndrome
  • Avoidant personality
  • Blended family issues
  • Body image
  • Caregiver issues and stress
  • Chronic pain, illness, and disability
  • Codependency
  • Communication problems
  • Control issues
  • Divorce and separation
  • Domestic violence
  • Family of origin issues
  • Family problems
  • Fatherhood issues
  • Fertility issues
  • Guilt and shame
  • Immigration issues
  • Intellectual disability
  • Isolation / loneliness
  • Jealousy
  • Money and financial issues
  • Multicultural concerns
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Prejudice and discrimination
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Self-love
  • Sexual assault and abuse
  • Sexuality
  • Social anxiety and phobia
  • Visually impaired
  • Women's issues
  • Workplace issues
  • Young adult issues

Languages

  • English
  • Hindi
  • Spanish
  • Urdu
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