About Therapy
Let me tell you about me and how I can help. After all, you’re trusting me with your healing!
If this is happening…
A part of you wants something, but another part can’t.
Your life today is weighed down or steered by past pain…
Something must change, but you don’t know the problem or where to start…
If you want to be more connected inside and out – to achieve your goals and create a fulfilling personal and professional life…
You’ve come to the right place!
If you’ve experienced trauma or suffered through difficult relationships or narcissistic abuse, I’m here to help.
Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, influencer, or student, if you’ve had a painful past, you probably struggle with things like “imposter syndrome,” and you have internal blocks hindering your creativity, motivation, and productivity.
If your past has led you to feel afraid, incomplete, or uncomfortable in your skin…
I’m here to help you rediscover yourself, affirm your self-worth, and regain your confidence!
“I AM…” can change your life.
How you finish that statement affects EVERYTHING.
It determines what you believe about yourself and the world, how you show up at work, what you’re attracted to, the relationships you choose and maintain, how you give and receive love, how you make decisions, and how you treat yourself.
If you say to yourself, “I’m not competent,” you won’t pursue your dream career and make as much money as you deserve.
If you believe you’re “not lovable,” you’ll pursue relationships and tolerate behavior that reinforces that belief.
If you feel you “have to be perfect at all times,” you might obsess over details so much that you’re constantly anxious and procrastinating.
I can help you heal and approach life from a clean slate – one where you deserve and can learn, improve, and achieve success.
In this safe, compassionate space…
You’ll receive empathy, warmth, and my genuine desire to see you thrive.
We’ll get to the root cause of what’s holding you back in your work or relationships, examining the origins of how you feel, think, and behave today.
I’ll give you practical tools to manage stress and regulate your emotions. This will help bring balance and stability into your life as we work together and heal.
As we build rapport and you feel more comfortable, we’ll delve deeper into the painful imprints on your psyche.
We’ll gently unravel the knots of past traumas and negative beliefs, creating space for healing and growth.
As you progress in therapy…
You may find that your mind starts to rewire, transforming how you show up in the world.
You may notice profound shifts in how you relate to yourself and others. You’ll feel lighter, more grounded, and more aligned with your true self.
As a result, you’ll find that doors start to open, opportunities present themselves, and life begins to unfold in beautiful new ways – because you start to show up differently.
It’s a process of liberation, allowing you to step into your power and live life on your terms.
It’s time to break those chains from the past!
Life is full of challenges and obstacles, but we can navigate through them and emerge stronger on the other side.
With the right guidance and support, you can step into a future filled with joy, fulfillment, and abundance.
Because you DO deserve it.
You ARE worthy of love and good things.
You ARE capable of growth…
These aren’t just empty affirmations; they’re guiding principles that inform my approach to therapy.
If you’re ready to realize your potential, reach out. We’ll schedule your free 15-minute consultation: (949) 257-2229.
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
–Marcus Aurelius
About Me
I’ve always been fascinated by mental health and how we can heal.
Let me take you on a journey through the twists and turns of my life that led me to where I am today…
Picture a young dreamer navigating the maze of life in search of purpose, passion, and success.
Raised in a Persian household, education and ambition were ingrained in me from a young age. We moved to different places, chasing dreams and opportunities, until tragedy struck when I was just 14. The sudden loss of my father shook our world to its core. His absence felt like a gaping hole, a void we struggled to fill. But amidst the pain, my mother emerged as a pillar of strength, making the bold and courageous decision to leave everything behind in Iran and seek a fresh start in America. It was a leap of faith driven by love, resilience, and true self-sacrifice. I can never thank her enough.
And don’t get me wrong, I’m forever grateful for the opportunities here, but figuring out what to do with those opportunities was a whole other story. College came around, and I bounced from one major to another, trying to find my passion. Dentistry, architecture, neurobiology, you name it, and I probably considered it. I dipped my toes into various fields, but none seemed to ignite that fire within me. It was like searching for something in the dark without a flashlight.
I couldn’t let my mom’s sacrifices and my father’s dreams for us go to waste.
I couldn’t imagine a life devoid of passion and fulfillment. I could not see myself unhappy in a career. I didn’t want to design a life that way. I was searching for alignment, a career that matched who I was and how I wanted to live. I had heard the happiest people had a passion for their jobs, and I felt lost, not loving any job I thought of while wanting success.
Then, like a gentle whisper from the past, my sister shared her dream of becoming a veterinarian. It was one of those lightbulb moments – suddenly, everything clicked into place. Memories of our weekends on my father’s ranch flooded back, and I realized that following in his footsteps made perfect sense. I thought, “Why didn’t I think of becoming a vet sooner?”
So, I was on a path of soul-searching.
I talked to folks in the field, started working at a vet hospital, and applied to Vet schools, but I also dug deep into my own psyche, and guess what? It turns out that my heart wasn’t in animal medicine – it was in helping their human companions navigate life’s rollercoaster through their love of their pets.
I learned that life has a funny way of nudging us toward our personal path. In moments of reflection, it became clear that my passion was in the emotional, relational, and mental health of myself and others. The more I delved into spirituality, psychology, personal growth, and mental health, the more I felt aligned with my core values and aspirations.
That’s when the lightbulb moment hit…
I wanted to be the kind of helper my dad needed through his struggles when he was alive. And the type of support system my family craved after his passing.
At that moment, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. I recognized that my true calling lay in mental health therapy, where I could leverage my innate compassion and empathy to support others through life’s challenges. And then it hit me – I was already naturally good at it. Long before considering a career in therapy, I naturally assumed the “therapist-friend” role within my friend circles.
It was a pivotal moment, a crossroads where I had to choose between two paths – veterinary medicine or mental health therapy. Despite the years invested in other majors, armed with newfound clarity and conviction, I embarked on a journey to pursue my passion for mental health and healing. Through rigorous training and personal growth, I’ve dedicated myself to providing a safe space for individuals to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions, guiding them toward a path of resilience and fulfillment.
Fast forward through years of schooling and a boatload of introspection, and here I am. Armed with diverse experiences and a burning desire to make a difference, I’m on a mission to support others through life’s challenges. From navigating trauma to battling depression, toxic relationships, and life transitions to grappling with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, I’m here to provide a compassionate ear and a helping hand along the journey to healing and growth.
Some of my professional background…
Education
- Doctorate of Marital and Family Therapy – Loma Linda University (Dissertation: Clinician’s Recommendations on Treating Victims and Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse)
- Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy – Hope International University
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health Sciences – University of California, Irvine
- Associate of Arts in Math and Sciences – Chaffey College
Training
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Attachment-Focused EMDR
- Internal Family Systems
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Certificate in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
- Self-Regulation Interventions
- Trauma-Related Shame and Self-Loathing
- Interpersonal Neurobiology and Traumatic Transference
- Suicide and Self-Injury
- Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
When I’m not doing therapy…
When I’m not fully immersed in therapy, I’m often out seeking answers to life’s profound questions. I delve into topics like suffering, love, relationships, spirituality, and health, always eager to expand my understanding of the human experience. Self-improvement is a passion of mine, and I delight in exploring diverse cultures, cuisines, and the myriad ways people find happiness.
Outdoor adventures energize my spirit. Whether hiking along scenic trails, trying unconventional activities, or gliding peacefully across tranquil waters in a kayak, I thrive on the thrill of exploration and discovery. But amidst the excitement of adventure, family holds a special place in my heart. Spending quality time together, embracing connectedness, and discovering new places and hidden gems are some of life’s greatest joys that I cherish.
However, I’ve also cultivated a deep appreciation for solitude, rest, and connection with self. I’ve come to cherish moments of stillness and introspection, recognizing the importance of listening to my body’s needs and honoring the true essence of my being. So, while I really enjoy the thrill of outside-the-box activities, I equally value quiet moments spent in reflection and rejuvenation, staying true to what nurtures my soul rather than prioritizing temporary desires or societal norms.
In my interactions with others, I seek those who engage in meaningful conversations and share profound wisdom, enriching my understanding of life’s complexities. Yet, I also appreciate the company of those who bring lightness and laughter into every interaction, infusing joy and spontaneity into the fabric of everyday life. It’s like discovering little omens amidst the hustle and bustle, reminding me to find beauty and wonder in the smallest of moments. Laughter is a big part of my professional and personal relationships – you’ll see it in therapy.
Life’s journey is filled with twists and turns.
But we can find meaning and fulfillment in our unique journey. Together, let’s navigate the winding roads of self-discovery and healing, one step at a time.
I used my pain through different life events and interactions to redesign a life that could fulfill the sacrifices my parents made the best way I knew how … as I grow more, I am learning more: time doesn’t heal things. It’s what we do in time that determines our healing and crossroads.
Let’s make beauty from the already beautiful soul that you are.
I am genuinely interested in your story… Let’s Connect!