“Any time can be the right time.” A Q&A with Nayan Suryavanshi, LSW

At Therapy Story, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and empowered to rewrite their narrative. That’s why we are so excited to introduce the newest addition to our practice, Nayan Suryavanshi, LSW!

Nayan earned her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University and specializes in working with adolescents (16+), young adults, and families. Whether navigating anxiety, cultural identity, family stressors, or major life transitions, she brings a deeply compassionate, culturally responsive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming approach to her work.

To help our community get to know Nayan, we sat down with her to ask about her therapy style, her passion for helping clients, and her advice for anyone thinking about taking that first step.

1. What drew you to becoming a therapist?

My own experience navigating major life transitions was what initially drew me specifically to therapy. I knew at a young age that I wanted to be in a helping profession, as I watched my parents (physical and occupational therapists) in their careers.

As I grew older, I became more interested in understanding people and their experiences, how relationships work, and the many factors that shape who we are and how we see the world around us.

This transitioned into me wanting to become a therapist so I could help others better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and feel less alone when navigating anxiety, life transitions, and difficult experiences. 

2. What made you want to join Therapy Story?

I was drawn to Therapy Story’s commitment to creating a space for people from different backgrounds and identities to feel understood, welcomed, and represented. As an AAPI therapist, I appreciate how cultural responsiveness and inclusion are woven into the foundation of this practice.

I was also looking for a collaborative environment where therapists are encouraged to continue learning and growing. Therapy Story felt aligned with both my values and the kind of clinician I hope to continue to become. 

3. What do you enjoy most about working with teens, young adults, and families?

Teens and young adults are often figuring out who they are and who they want to be while also managing expectations from family, school, relationships, work, and societal norms.

I enjoy helping clients explore their identity and feel grounded in themselves while also navigating competing pressures. 

When working with families, I value the opportunity to look beyond just one person’s symptoms or challenges and understand how relationships, experiences, and patterns affect the whole family and the individuals in it. It is especially meaningful to me to be able to help family members understand one another through communicating more openly and finding healthier ways to move forward together. 

4. How do you help clients navigate things like cultural identity, family stress, or big life transitions?

I always want to make space for the different factors of the client’s experience and background.

Cultural identity, family stress, and big life transitions do not exist in isolation. Many factors affect a client’s experience and navigating any of these factors can bring up conflicting feelings. While someone may love their family and culture, they may also feel burdened by specific expectations.

I help clients explore their experiences without having to simplify themselves or having to choose one part of themselves over another. 

I work with clients to examine what is contributing to their anxiety or stress, to identify the expectations and beliefs they are carrying, and distinguish what genuinely feels important to them from what they think “should” be important to them. I also focus on helping clients build practical coping and communication skills so they can approach changes and relationships with greater confidence while being grounded in their identity. 

5. What does creating an inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirming space look like to you?

To me, creating an affirming space means that clients should not have to wonder if any part of who they are will be judged, minimized, othered, or misunderstood. We are all complex individuals, and I allow clients to define their own identities, relationships, and experience in a way that feels right to them. 

Affirming care to me also means that I recognize how family, culture, community, discrimination, identity, and safety are all interconnected and may affect a client’s mental health. My role is not to tell a client where they should be, but to create a space where they can explore who they are in a supported environment where they feel safe, respected, and valued. 

6. Therapy Story focuses on helping clients rewrite their narrative. How will you accomplish this in your sessions?

Many folks begin therapy believing stories about themselves that may not be shaped by themselves, but by their anxiety, family expectations, or things that others have told them. This may lead clients to believe stories like “I am not enough,” or “I am behind in life,” or “I am too much for others.”

I want to pause and help clients determine where those narratives came from, how they are affecting their lives, and whether they still reflect who they are or who they want to be.

I want to work with clients to recognize their strengths, challenge patterns that are no longer serving them, and work towards a more compassionate and authentic understanding of themselves. Rewriting your narrative does not mean ignoring or changing what has happened, it means recognizing the experiences, seeing them in a different light, and determining with autonomy what comes next in your life. 

7. What do you like to do when you’re not in therapist mode?

When I am not in therapist mode, I love traveling, spending time with my friends, family, and pets, and trying out new restaurants and matcha spots. I love exploring New York City and road trips.

On a daily basis, I spend my free time walking my dog, reading, staying active, and baking.

8. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone nervous about starting therapy?

You never have to walk into the room (or join the Zoom call) knowing exactly what to say, what your goals are, or even how to explain your feelings.

Helping you figure those things out is what our sessions are for. It may take time to feel comfortable, but you are allowed to work with your therapist at a pace you feel comfortable with, ask questions, and be honest if something does not feel like the right fit.

There is no “perfect time” to start therapy, because any time can be the right time. 

Ready to Start Rewriting Your Story?

Whether you are navigating big life changes, working through family dynamics, or looking for a safe, inclusive space to explore who you are, Nayan is here to walk alongside you.

Focus Areas: Adolescents (16+), Young Adults, Family Stress, Cultural Identity, Anxiety & Trauma, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy

Location: In-person at our Bloomfield, NJ office (1285 Broad St., 2nd Floor) and online

Take the First Step: You don’t have to figure everything out before your first session. Contact Therapy Story today at 973-281-4551 or schedule a consultation with Nayan online.