
Strive for PROGRESS, not perfection
Looking for Therapy That Fits You? You’re in the Right Place.
Think of therapy as working with a personal trainer—not for quick fixes, but for building lasting resilience, insight, and mental strength. I specialize in helping students and professionals manage life’s challenges while reaching for something more. Whether it’s tackling a specific issue or working toward long-term growth, I’m here to help you build the tools, clarity, and confidence you need to live fully aligned with what matters most.
Here, therapy is all about kindness and curiosity, not labels or judgment. Whether you're dealing with intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or constant worry, I offer a supportive, judgment-free space to help you confront and work through these challenges. Together, we’ll develop strategies to face your fears and reclaim control over your life. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and enhance your mental wellness.
Most clients come with something specific on their mind, but they stay because growth feels natural, doable, and powerful. Let’s build something lasting so you’re ready to thrive, no matter what life brings.
My Specializations
Anxiety Disorders / Phobias
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Trauma / PTSD
Perfectionism
Insomnia and Sleep Issues
Interpersonal Difficulties / Relationship Stress
Major Life Transitions
Body Image
Loss of Direction
Chronic Suicidality
Coping with Illness / Cancer
Stress Management / Burnout
Elevating Performance
My Expertise
Treating Anxiety, Phobias, and OCD with Exposure and Response Prevention, guided by principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Treating Trauma with Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure
Managing intense and overwhelming emotions with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Treating Insomnia with CBTI and improving long-term sleep quality and duration
Addressing chronic suicidality using the CAMS framework
Guiding you through key life transitions (e.g. job changes, relationship stress, family expansion)
Helping you navigate and cope with chronic illness or unexpected health challenges
Creation of new healthy habits, counteracting unhealthy perfectionism, and reducing workplace burnout
As a South Asian therapist, I find profound fulfillment in working with clients who share similar cultural backgrounds. There's a deep resonance and understanding that comes from shared experiences, values, and nuances specific to our South Asian heritage.
About Dr. Sur
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Degrees
BA in Psychology, University of Rochester
MS in Clinical Psychology, Ohio University
PhD in Clinical Psychology, concentration Health Psychology, University of Arizona
Fellowship
Heritage Fellowship, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH
Pre-Doctoral Internship, Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Syracuse, NY
Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Metta Psychotherapy, Tucson, AZ
Licensure
Licensed Psychologist, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
Licensed Psychologist, Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) under the authority of PSYPACT
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I grew up in Western New York and went to the University of Rochester, where I studied psychology, business, and studio art. At first, those might seem like an unusual mix, but they all shaped how I think about human behavior. Psychology helped me understand the science of thought and emotion, business gave me insight into decision-making and motivation, and art taught me how perspective shapes experience. These interests all pointed me toward a career in clinical psychology, where I could combine science, strategy, and creativity to help people make meaningful changes.
All of that led me to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, starting in Athens, Ohio and finishing in Tucson, Arizona. Living in the desert was an adjustment, but I quickly grew to love the wide open spaces, the hiking trails, and the kind of sunsets that make you stop whatever you are doing just to take them in. My Ph.D. focused on clinical health psychology, where I studied the motivational factors behind health behavior change—why people struggle with making sustainable changes and what actually helps them move forward.
For my internship, I trained at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, specializing in trauma and psychological assessment. After that, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship focused on mindfulness based therapy practices, learning how intentional awareness and acceptance can be powerful tools for managing anxiety, perfectionism, and stress.
I then moved to Houston to work at Baylor College of Medicine as an assistant professor, working at The Menninger Clinic as an assessment psychologist. Here, I evaluated and treated many high achieving professionals and athletes dealing with complex mental health concerns. After a year at the OCD Institute of Texas, where I specialized in intensive treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders, I decided to shift my focus to private practice.
Now, in addition to my practice, I serve as the Director of Psychology at the Lindig Family Cancer Resource Center for UT Health Houston, where I am an assistant professor. Across all of these roles, my focus has remained the same. I help people navigate fear, perfectionism, and performance pressure so they can show up fully in their lives.
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Therapy with me is active, direct, and collaborative. I am not the type of therapist who just nods and asks, “How does that make you feel?” We will roll up our sleeves and get to work.
I take an evidence-based approach, which means we are not just talking about feelings but actually making changes. We will identify patterns that are keeping you stuck, experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving, and fine-tune strategies to help you move forward.
Expect a balance of warmth and challenge. I will be supportive and compassionate, but I will also push you when needed. If you are used to high standards and perfectionism, you will appreciate that I do not settle for vague advice or passive listening. I will help you set clear goals and take meaningful action.
My goal is not to keep you in therapy forever. It is to help you build the skills and confidence to manage challenges on your own.
Most of my clients tell me that working with me feels refreshing because they leave each session with something practical to work on. They also appreciate that I have a direct but down-to-earth style. If that sounds like what you are looking for, let’s get started.
What is PsyFlex?
Psychological Flexibility is a fundamental concept in the field of psychology that refers to an individual's capacity to adapt and respond effectively to the ever-changing challenges, thoughts, emotions, and situations that life presents. It involves the ability to be open, accepting, and present in the moment while also being able to choose behaviors that align with one's values and long-term goals, even in the face of discomfort.
Psychologically flexible individuals do not get entangled in rigid patterns of thinking or behavior, and they are more resilient in the face of adversity. They can acknowledge and make space for their emotions, thoughts, and sensations without being overwhelmed by them. They are also capable of making conscious choices about how to respond to these internal experiences, rather than reacting automatically.
This concept is closely associated with therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which aim to enhance psychological flexibility as a means to improve mental well-being and overall life satisfaction. Psychological flexibility empowers individuals to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives by embracing life's challenges and opportunities with a balanced and open mindset..
Now offering teletherapy under the authorization of PSYPACT throughout Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
