My Story
My own experience with therapy made me realize the important role of therapy
in strengthening relationships with others and one’s own self. My life has
presented me with many challenges, but it is these challenges that have
strengthened my character, and that have prepared me to help others. I came
to America at the age of 16 from Iran. This experience helps me to better
understand the uniqueness and diversity of my clients, and to be able to recognize
the challenges with cultural transition.
in strengthening relationships with others and one’s own self. My life has
presented me with many challenges, but it is these challenges that have
strengthened my character, and that have prepared me to help others. I came
to America at the age of 16 from Iran. This experience helps me to better
understand the uniqueness and diversity of my clients, and to be able to recognize
the challenges with cultural transition.
Therapeutic Approach
The collaborative and strength-based approach that I practice is called Narrative Therapy.
It is a respectful, non-blaming approach of counseling, which views people as the experts
of their own lives. It views problems as separate from people and assumes that people have
many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, and abilities that will help them to overcome
the problems in their lives. I maintain a stance of curiosity, always asking questions, and do
not make assumptions about your experiences. The focus of our work is on the effects of the
problem in your life and the influences of the past experiences on that problem(s),
and to cultivate and discover your strengths and values to help to get to the solution.
It is a respectful, non-blaming approach of counseling, which views people as the experts
of their own lives. It views problems as separate from people and assumes that people have
many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, and abilities that will help them to overcome
the problems in their lives. I maintain a stance of curiosity, always asking questions, and do
not make assumptions about your experiences. The focus of our work is on the effects of the
problem in your life and the influences of the past experiences on that problem(s),
and to cultivate and discover your strengths and values to help to get to the solution.
In my quest to better help you, I use a variety of therapeutic approaches. These include
Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mind-Body approaches, and more
approaches for couple's therapy. My hope is to assist you to find the solution to your
problem(s) and to feel happiness in your life without the darkness of the problem.
Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mind-Body approaches, and more
approaches for couple's therapy. My hope is to assist you to find the solution to your
problem(s) and to feel happiness in your life without the darkness of the problem.
I have a great understanding of the effects of gender, culture, societal norms, and issues
of identity on people's lives. I am bilingual, fluent in both English and Farsi, thus I am able
to assist clients in therapy using the Farsi language.
of identity on people's lives. I am bilingual, fluent in both English and Farsi, thus I am able
to assist clients in therapy using the Farsi language.
Education and Training
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, CA.
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northrop University, Los Angeles, CA
- Trained in Postmodern Therapies (Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Collaborative Language Systems) at Phillips Graduate Institute, Chatsworth, CA.
- Trained in the trauma resilience model by the Trauma Resource Institute.
- Trained in Encounter-Centered Couples Therapy.
- Received Certification in Pre-marital counseling by prepare/Enrich.
- Clinical Aggression Replacement Training by County of Los Angeles Probation Department.
- Co-facilitate court-referred anger management group at Phillips Graduate Institute Counseling Center for over a year and a half.
- Certified in crisis intervention/abusive relationships by the International Child Abuse Network.
- Experience facilitating a year-long substance abuse group for the LA County Probation Department's Camp Miller.
- Facilitated individual psychotherapy with incarcerated adolescents for over two years at Camp Gonzales and Camp Miller.
My Personal Story
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Ever since I was a little girl, I enjoyed listening to music and dancing. People have noticed
and shared noticing my smile during dance classes. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, reading, and learning about new things. I have been married for over thirty-five years and am a proud mother of a thirty years old son. |
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I love my profession and truly enjoy providing a supportive environment for helping my clients
to heal, grow, work on their well-being, create deeper connections, love,
and calm in their lives.
to heal, grow, work on their well-being, create deeper connections, love,
and calm in their lives.
In talking to my colleagues, they describe me as "friendly, conscientious, non-judgmental, curious, and authentic."
Past-President of the San Fernando Valley chapter of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.