Azleena Azhar (she/her), MSW, LCSWA

Outpatient Psychotherapist in South Durham

Works with ages 7+

Hi! I’m Azleena Azhar (she/her) and I am a multi-lingual (English/Malay) Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). I have a Bachelor of Science in Information and Decision Systems from Carnegie Mellon University, and did my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) internship at Duke Hospital, where I am on the Pastoral Advisory Committee. I also earned a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Chaplaincy from Hartford Seminary. With a desire to delve deeper into clinical mental health, I obtained a Master of Social Work degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

I have experience counseling survivors of trauma, abuse, and intimate partner violence. My interest lies in helping individuals who experience low self-worth, anxiety, or PTSD stemming from emotional abuse and narcissistic family systems. I also have worked with clients with ADHD, depression, and those who are neurodiverse. Many of those I assist have faced life transitions, like coping with chronic illness, grief, and loss.

While I frequently work with adults, I particularly enjoy working with children and youth (including 3rd culture kids, immigrants. and refugees) struggling with acculturative stress, family conflict, school stressors, identity formation, and bullying.

I work with clients from all cultural, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. I have lived in Southeast Asia, parts of Europe, and on both coasts of the US. I have a global and interfaith worldview and speak conversational French and Hindi/Urdu. I may explore topics of spirituality and cultural identity during therapy, if you so desire.

My approach to therapy is strengths-based and client-centered. I incorporate elements of attachment theory, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, TF-CBT, DBT & mindful self-compassion.

I come from a place of non-judgement, as I believe that everyone is created in their own unique mold. I believe that if given the right tools, we can deal with any circumstances and thrive. If you think we would be a good fit, I would be honored to help you find the strength and resilience within you, to bring out the best version of yourself.

In my free time, I facilitate support groups for refugees, champion suicide prevention for minority youth, and watch reruns of Seinfeld with my husband and three boys. I find peace and joy relaxing in nature, playing classical piano and walking my cats.

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email | azleena@threeoaksbehavioralhealth.com