Maria Diaz is an energetic, ambitious and highly efficient leader with impeccable critical thinking skills consistently delivering excellence. She has proven track record to exceed performance standards and leverage diversity. She has experience with developing, coordinating and managing community-based and private independent programs.

She provides recovery-oriented services that recognizes individuals' rights of self-determination, shared decision-making and collaborative work. A clinical style that embodies empathy, compassion, cultural awareness and interactive engagement techniques.
 

In 2009 she graduated with her master's in counseling, and in 2017 she earned an Advanced Certificate of Mental Health Counseling, 

 

She's been in the field of Mental Health for almost 20 years and has held various roles as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). She has served as a Clinical Director at a non-for-profit organization in Westchester County and currently holds a position as Adjunct Professor for the Graduate Counseling Department at Mercy College.

 

As a trauma therapist, she has been extensively trained and experienced in EMDR therapy. With a deep understanding of trauma-related disorders, she is equipped to guide clients through the healing journey with sensitivity, empathy, and expertise. She believes in providing a safe and supportive environment where clients can openly express their emotions and struggles.

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She was born and raised in East Harlem also known as Spanish Harlem and has lived throughout New York City's five boroughs. She has also lived in New Paltz, Albany, Saratoga and Wilton, NY.  She's a wife and a mom of two amazing children, who keep her busy. Self-care is very important to her. She starts every morning with prayer, meditation, journaling, and a good workout. 

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Alexandra Lopez Martinez is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with extensive experience in psychology and pedagogy. She earned her degree from the National Pedagogic University in Bogota, Colombia, and her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

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Ms. Lopez is highly trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), having attended several trainings at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is currently pursuing certification from the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies.​

 

Ms. Lopez has worked as a Behavioral Health Clinician and Care Manager at the Mental Health Association of Westchester and as a Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinician at Summit Health (formerly Westmed). In these roles, she treated children, adolescents, and adults for a variety of disorders, including those designated as seriously emotionally disturbed and seriously mentally ill. Ms. Lopez also provided support and case management to patients experiencing homelessness and hardship, connecting them with community services.

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Ms. Lopez specializes in treating anxiety disorders, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, and insomnia.

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In addition to English, Ms. Lopez speaks fluent Spanish.

 

She is a member of the American Counseling Association.

 

Hi, I’m Harneet.

 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, navigating complicated relationships, or carrying the weight of past trauma, you don’t have to do it alone. My clients often seek a space where they can feel truly heard and understood. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, identity struggles, or healing from painful experiences, I’m here to offer support without judgment. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and create a path forward that feels right for you—because you deserve to feel at peace and in control of your life.

 

I specialize in working with individuals facing trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. My approach is rooted in empathy, and I create a warm space for you to explore and process your emotions. Whether you're healing from you past or struggling with life's challenges, we'll work together to create practical, compassionate steps toward lasting change.

 

I understand that reaching out can feel intimidating, but taking that first step toward healing is a powerful act of self-care. I’m here to offer you a safe space where you can feel supported. You deserve to feel understood and empowered, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here to help you move forward.

As a Mental Health Advocate, I give speeches all over the nation to reduce stigma around Mental Health and encourage people to seek professional counseling, rather than “just talking to a friend about it or not talk about their problems at all”. As a Pakistani, Muslim immigrant who
came to America with no knowledge of mental health, I understand how the confusion of identities, societal pressure to fit in and cultural differences can create emotional turmoil. Being in the mental health field for over 7 years, has allowed me to evolve as a Mental Health
public speaker, who helps those with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideations, as well as individuals with trauma.

I serve a purpose to help those that have a hard time feeling their feelings. I believe ending stigma is recognizing the power of words and their ability to create thoughts, feelings, experiences, memories, and even realities. Mental health is recognizing the power of those
feelings because they can cause a person to do things they normally might not do. They can create distress and dysfunction in someone’s daily life.

 

Listen, you and I are not the only people having a hard time feeling our feelings. The world is. Sometimes it feels easier to not talk and avoid conflict by repeating unhealthy patterns that feel comfortable and safe for us.

Over the years, I have used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and even aspects of play therapy to help clients develop skills and understand their emotions and behaviors. In conjunction with psychodynamic therapy, we can work together as a team to bring back control over your life, with an  emphasis on two things; you should only listen to understand others without trying to react and you cannot change anyone, but yourself.

Hello and welcome to Living Purpose Mental Health Counseling! My name is Lisa Cao, and my goal is to help Living Purpose focus on expanding Mental Health Services.

 

As an American born Chinese individual, I have faced unique challenges growing up in a society that often carries a stigma around mental health. The lack of cultural knowledge, limited access to resources, and the negative perceptions surrounding seeking help have motivated me to advocate for mental health awareness.

 

I started with Living Purpose as an intern and now hold the role of Administrative & Project Management Assistant. In my new role I will be working closely with Maria Diaz to bring my experience and expertise to help reach larger communities in unparalleled ways.