Dr. Sugandika Subawickrama , LCPC, LPC

Dr. Sugandika Subawickrama is a licensed counselor with more than 20 years of experience. She practices in New Jersey and supports people facing depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, and life transitions. Dr. Subawickrama uses clear, direct conversations to help people find practical steps forward.

She focuses on everyday struggles like motivation, self-esteem, career stress, grief, relationship and intimacy questions, and parenting pressures. She also addresses concerns such as sleep and eating difficulties, anger, compassion fatigue, and ADHD. Her work includes attention to issues related to LGBT identity and recovery from trauma and abuse.

In sessions she aims for an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere where clients can say what they need to say. She draws on Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral approaches to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try different ways of thinking and behaving. Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing are used when people want tools for staying present or building motivation.

Her style is collaborative and practical. She helps people set small goals and track what changes between meetings. Narrative ideas may be used to reframe painful stories and create more helpful personal meanings.

Dr. Subawickrama speaks English and Sinhala and sees clients through online formats such as video calls, phone, live chat, and text messaging. She holds LCPC and LPC credentials and practices from New Jersey, working with each person to decide what approach fits their needs.

Practical approaches for online counseling

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and working at the client’s own pace to build trust and clarity. It helps people talk through emotions and make decisions that feel right for them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches concrete skills to change unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors for issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.

Mindfulness Therapy helps people notice the present moment without harsh judgment. It can reduce reactivity to stress and support better coping with cravings, anger, or overwhelming feelings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort level. Plans are adjusted as progress is made and new priorities emerge.

Online sessions can fit different needs and schedules. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation; phone sessions work when video is difficult or bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check-ins, ongoing coaching, or when someone prefers writing to talking. These options make therapy more flexible for people balancing work, family, and daily life.