Here to listen, whenever you’re ready
Virtual 1:1 counseling for adults and adolescents
Ilsa Rashid, MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Education, experience, and orientation
I am a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-focused counselor. I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. Of course, I also specialize in lending a listening ear even if you’re just having a hard week. I counsel in in Urdu and English. I am currently accepting clients who reside in Pakistan.
Education and experience
I received my graduate degree from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ in 2022. I took and passed the National Counselor Exam in 2022.
I completed my clinical internship at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), a partial care facility specializing in mental health support. After graduating, I worked as an Associate Counselor at the New Brunswick Counseling Center (NBCC), a methadone clinic dedicated to substance use recovery. In this role, I provided individual counseling, group therapy, conducted intake assessments, and managed case coordination for clients overcoming opioid dependence and addiction. Over my time at NBCC, I accumulated 1,200+ hours of direct client service.
Counselor Orientation
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI):
- DBT focuses on building distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness to help clients develop coping skills and manage triggers.
- MI is a client-centered approach that enhances motivation for change by exploring and resolving ambivalence, empowering individuals to take steps toward recovery.
Skills & Areas of Expertise
Crisis intervention & risk assessment
Individual and group counseling for substance use recovery
Harm reduction strategies
Relapse prevention planning
Case management & treatment coordination
Let’s talk about why people may seek counseling
Coping with a major life change
Life changes, whether it’s moving, getting married, becoming a parent, or switching jobs, can be challenging to handle on your own.
Making a big decision
A counselor helps organize chaotic thoughts and provides support when making tough decisions, offering clarity and a safe space for reflection.
Coming to terms with loss
Loss is unavoidable, but a counselor offers a safe space to be open, recognizing that everyone copes in their own way.
Managing persistent negative thoughts
Occasional negative thoughts are normal, but persistent ones may signal a deeper issue. If you’re struggling with thoughts about harming yourself or others, consider reaching out to Umang or Taskeen.
Venting in a judgement-free space
A good counselor listens without judgement and maintains privacy. You need a safe space to vent a frustration, or admit a mistake, or share a secret — I got you.
Preparing for an interview
As a former job coach and college counselor, I can assist in preparing for job and admission interviews, helping you build confidence and present your best self.
I write a blog post every Sunday
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