Neesa Sunar is a clinical psychotherapist, classical violist & writer from Queens, NYC. She writes & speaks publicly about her personal experiences with schizoaffective disorder, autism & aphantasia.
Discovering I Have Aphantasia
How I identified my experience of Aphantasia (mind's eye blindness), how this impacts my work as a therapist, and how I have developed ways to adapt via kinesthetic reinforcement (such as typing).
Neesa Sunar plays Caprice No. 1 by Lillian Fuchs
I'm playing the 1st of 12 caprices by 20th century American violist, Lillian Fuchs. (She was a teacher of my current teacher, Ann Roggen, at the Juilliard School around 40 years ago!) Recorded at Skillman Studio in Brooklyn, NYC in May 2023.
Neesa Sunar plays J. S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor - Prelude (on viola)
I'm playing the 1st movement of J.S. Bach's 2nd Cello Suite in 2 MInor, Prelude movement. Recorded at Skillman Studio in Brooklyn, NYC in May 2023.
Telemann Fantasy No. 1 (Largo) - played by Neesa Sunar (viola)
Performance of Telemann's Fantasy No. 1 (Largo) at King Manor in Jamaica, Queens, NYC on Jan. 21, 2023. This was a performance where I discussed my recovery story as a person with schizoaffective disorder. Recorded by Gianfranco Ferlito.
Bach's 1st Cello Suite, Gavotte (on viola - abridged performance)
Gavotte (5th) movement of J.S. Bach's 1st Cello Suite in G Major, played on viola. Performed at an open mic event on June 30, 2022 with Queens Council on the Arts in LIC, NYC.
Stamitz: Viola Concerto in D Major, 1st Movement (Cadenza by Beyer)
Performance of the 1st movement of Karl Stamitz's Viola Concerto in D Major; cadenza by Beyer. With pianist Eric Malson, recorded at Skillman Studio in Brooklyn, NYC.
J. S. Bach - Cello Suite No. 4, Allemande (on viola)
I'm performing the Allemande (2nd) movement of J.S. Bach's 4th Cello Suite in E-Flat Major, Recorded at Skillman Studio in Brooklyn, NYC.
"Growing Into Your Best Self" - Mental Health Lecture at VivaViola! 2023
I gave a lecture at VivaViola! on March 2, 2023, where I spoke about mental health for musicians. Specifically, I described Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how musicians can utilize CBT techniques to manage negative thoughts in the practice room.
In-depth visit to New York Community Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center - 纽约社区精神康复中心深度探访
Sinovision Net filmed inside of Venture House, a psychosocial clubhouse in Jamaica, Queens. I am shown playing viola, contributing to the community overall. (Footage in Chinese and English)
"Clubhouse" Model Psychiatric Rehabilitation Institution Increases Services for Chinese Patients in New York - “会所”模式精神康复机构 加大对纽约华人患者服务
Article on Venture House, psychosocial clubhouse in Jamaica, Queens, includes info on me and my viola playing! (in Chinese)
Reporting #2 on Venture House, psychosocial clubhouse in NYC!
Article in Singtao USA about Venture House, featuring a bit on me playing viola! (Written in Chinese)
Reporting #1 on Venture House Psychosocial Clubhouse in Queens, NYC
Article in US China Press about Venture House, featuring info on me! (in Chinese)
Opinion: How teachers can help students deal with feelings of futility and despair
Violist and clinical support therapist Neesa Sunar explores how teachers can call on their own lived experience as musicians to help pupils who are struggling with feelings of sadness or futility.
A Therapist Tried to Explain CBT When I Was 11 Years Old, Ineffectively
An exploration on ways that CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can be mistakenly used.
Neesa Sunar: How I use the mutuality of Intentional Peer Support in my music teaching
To aid students who have hit a barrier in learning, violist and clinical telehealth therapist Neesa Sunar provides four teaching scenarios which benefit from the empathetic approach of Intentional Peer Support