Zara Fajardo

With nine years of experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor (NCC), I specialize in supporting adults, young adults, and adolescents navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, relationship concerns, and identity development. I work with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and I have a particular passion for helping those facing caregiver stress, attachment concerns, perinatal mental health challenges (including postpartum depression and anxiety), and the pressures of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. I also enjoy working with men navigating career decisions, work-related stress, and emotional well-being.

My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy — grounded in the belief that lasting change comes not just from building coping skills, but from understanding the deeper patterns, beliefs, and relational dynamics that shape how we think, feel, and relate to others and ourselves. My lived experiences have deepened my commitment to holding space with empathy, authenticity, and genuine human connection. Seeking support is a courageous step, and I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized — because no two people's experiences or goals are alike. I draw on CBT to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, Existential Therapy to explore questions of meaning, values, and purpose, and Solution-Focused Therapy to build on your existing strengths and develop practical paths forward. I also weave in mindfulness techniques, psychoeducation, and strengths-based interventions to support emotional regulation and resilience.

I approach every client from a strengths-based perspective: even when it's hard to see your own strengths, I'll help you discover the qualities and capacities already within you. At the same time, I believe meaningful growth comes from more than just managing symptoms — it comes from recognizing long-standing beliefs and relational patterns that may no longer serve you, so you can break unhealthy cycles and create change that extends well beyond the therapy room. Clients often describe me as warm, genuine, and down-to-earth, with a balance of compassion, humor, and honest feedback. I aim to create a space that feels both professionally grounded and authentically human — never intimidating.

The first session is about getting to know you — your story, what's bringing you to therapy, and what you're hoping to work toward. I'll ask questions to understand your background, current challenges, and goals, while also giving you space to share at your own pace. There's no pressure to have everything figured out; many people come in simply knowing that something needs to change. By the end of our first meeting, we'll begin to collaboratively shape a direction for our work together. More than anything, I want you to leave feeling heard, respected, and hopeful — this is the beginning of a partnership, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.