Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Harm Reduction, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution-focused, Strengths-based
Therapy Style
I have been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 2011. I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years and specialize in treatment of adults, couples and families. My areas of clinical focus include but not limited to anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, marital and premarital counseling, partner-relational, family conflict, parenting/co-parenting skills, life transitions, acculturation adjustments, stress management and women’s issues.
I provide a safe, collaborative and direct approach in therapy. My goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship that guides the individuals to recognize their strength and enhance resiliency. Through collaborative work, the individual will be able to understand their past, be effective in the present, and set future goals. I will help provide insight and awareness to oneself as a whole and as part of a system.
I am bilingual in Farsi and have extensive experience in working in various multicultural settings including nonprofits, community counseling centers and private practice. One of my passions is to continue bringing mental health awareness to the community by expanding my practice and providing clinical supervision to trainees and interns.
Education
BS - Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles
MS - Counseling Psychology, California Graduate Institute
PhD - Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
License Number and State
Pronouns
she/her
Why did you become a mental health professional?
Passion for learning and deep interest in why we do what we do as human beings.
What are your interests outside of work?
Reading or listening to books on tape. Yoga.
What is one thing you do daily that supports your well-being?
Regulating my sleeping, eating, and physical activity. Spending time with friends and family. Gardening and playing with my cat.
What book have you read more than once?
I often read or listen to many books. The one that has made a great impact on me is The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate, MD., the way he conceptualizes trauma both "T" and "t" traumas, and how it could shape our way of dealing with life. His passion and love of learning about himself and others and his dedication to passing on his knowledge to others have been moving to me.
Favorite organization/non-profit?
Rescue Mission. I got to know them as a place to donate to and they have been sending me information about how they help people that struggle with substance use and homelessness.
How do you recharge?
Doing yoga, and spending time with friends and family. Gardening, cooking and playing with my cat.
Do you have any pets?
I have always had animals (dogs, cats, birds). At this time, I have a cat named Dino who is very loving and loves being scratched and hiding in small boxes. In July 2022 he ran up a very tall tree and was having a hard time getting down, so we had to call an arborist to come and get him down. He acted like no big deal when he was brought down after two nights of being up on a very tall tree with cold nights.
