about
I am Jaithra Jayakrishnan, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and substance use concerns. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based care tailored to each person’s unique experiences and goals.
Originally from India, I have worked with nonprofit organizations and diverse communities both internationally and within the United States. After completing my graduate studies in 2012, I have been dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges.
I am trained and experienced in working with individuals navigating trauma, addiction, emotional overwhelm, and life stressors, helping clients develop healthier coping strategies, build resilience, and move toward healing and personal growth in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tulu (fluent); Tamil (conversational).
English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tulu (fluent); Tamil (conversational).
I am Jaithra Jayakrishnan, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. My passion for psychology began at the age of 16 when my mother encouraged me to explore the field. That early interest has continued to shape both my personal and professional journey. As a lifelong student of human behavior and emotional well-being, I am deeply committed to helping individuals and families better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and create meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Originally from India, I have more than 20 years of experience working with diverse populations across India and the United States. My work has included positions in nonprofit organizations, community mental health settings, and substance use treatment programs, allowing me to develop a broad understanding of the unique challenges individuals and families face across different situations in life. I am multilingual and provide counseling services fluently in five languages.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, including adolescents and adults experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. My areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. My approach to therapy is person-centered, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I offer a confidential, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and work toward transforming their lives.
I have worked with children ages 5 and older using play therapy, sand tray therapy, and psychoeducation for parents to address anxiety, hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, and difficulties at home or school. I also work closely with parents to better understand the needs underlying their child’s behaviors and develop effective strategies to support healthy growth and development. While telehealth is effective for many clients, I do not currently provide virtual therapy for children under age 12, as younger children often benefit more from in-person therapeutic interactions but I do telehealth consultations for parents.
I have experience working with individuals struggling with alcohol and drug use disorders, commonly referred to as Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Many people facing addiction also experience challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Counseling can play a vital role in supporting recovery, healing, and personal growth for both individuals and their families. Having worked closely with this population, I have found it both meaningful and rewarding to support clients and their loved ones on their recovery journey.
Individual therapy offers space for reflection, healing, and meaningful change in a supportive environment. Therapy is an investment in yourself and your well-being. With the support of an experienced therapist who will walk alongside you every step of the way, you can work toward recovery, healing, and achieving your personal goals.
Addiction is often referred to as a family disease because its effects extend far beyond the individual, impacting relationships, trust, emotional well-being, and daily family life. When someone you love struggles with addiction, it is easy to become consumed by the challenges they face and lose sight of your own needs, goals, and sense of self. I help loved ones learn how to remain caring and connected while staying grounded in their own identity, purpose, and well-being. Love them, but don’t lose yourself.
English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tulu (fluent); Tamil (conversational).
I am Jaithra Jayakrishnan, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. My passion for psychology began at the age of 16 when my mother encouraged me to take up psychology and that has continued to guide my personal and professional journey ever since. As a lifelong student of human behavior and emotional well-being, I am deeply committed to helping individuals untangle the complexities of their minds, navigate life’s challenges, and build the fulfilling, meaningful lives they truly desire.
I have over 20 years of experience supporting different populations and age group in India and USA. I assist people struggling through anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and substance use concerns. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based care individualized to each person’s unique experiences and goals.
Originally from India, I have worked with nonprofit organizations and diverse communities in India and United States. After completing my 3rd graduate studies in counseling 2012, I have been working primarily in Philadelphia, PA.
Since 2012, in addition to my master’s degree in clinical counseling I also completed certified training in CBT, PE, TF-CBT, Play and sand tray therapy. I am trained and experienced in working with individuals navigating trauma, addiction and assisting my clients develop healthier coping strategies, build resilience, and move toward healing and personal growth. Since 2012, in addition to my master’s degree in clinical counseling I also completed certified training in CBT, PE, TF-CBT, Play and sand tray therapy. I am trained and experienced in working with individuals navigating trauma, addiction and assisting my clients develop healthier coping strategies, build resilience, and move toward healing and personal growth.
I worked with children for 06 years from the age of 5. I primarily used play and sand tray therapy and psychoeducation for parents. I do not provide telehealth to children under 12 years due to the However, in my professional experience, telehealth may not always be the most effective format for very young children. I provide consultation to parents about behavioral issues, anxiety and hyperactivity among children.
I am familiar with and have experience working with co-occurring disorders, where addiction is accompanied by mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional difficulties. I understand how deeply substance use and mental health concerns can affect every aspect of a person’s life and relationships. I also support families impacted by addiction, especially when a loved one’s alcohol or drug use begins to affect the emotional well-being, stability, and daily functioning of the entire family system. My approach focuses on helping individuals and families better understand these challenges, strengthen coping and communication skills, rebuild trust, and move toward healing and recovery together.
I have experience working with co-occurring disorders, where addiction is combined with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional difficulties. I also support families impacted by alcohol or drug addiction when a loved one’s substance use begins affecting the emotional well-being, relationships, and stability of the entire family. My approach focuses on helping individuals and families better understand these challenges, strengthen coping skills, and work toward healing and recovery together.
Every person’s story, experiences, and challenges are different, which is why I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I focus on creating a supportive and collaborative space where clients can feel safe, understood, and empowered in their healing journey. Therapy can help foster deeper self-understanding, emotional resilience, and a more meaningful connection with yourself and others.
I am trained and certified in various therapeutic modalities, and with close to two decades of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds in both India and the United States, I tailor the therapeutic approach to meet each individual’s unique needs, and personal goals.
Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Penn Psychiatry, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Alliance for Child Trauma Services
Family and Play Therapy Center, Philadelphia
Family and Play Therapy Center, Philadelphia
Banjara Academy, Bangalore
My journey in mental health spans diverse clinical settings and leadership roles, all grounded in a commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care.
My journey in mental health spans diverse clinical settings and leadership roles, all grounded in a commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and explore how we might work together.
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