Specialties & Focus

I treat adults and couples. My background has allowed me vast experience in both hospital and clinic settings where I have worked with adults, seniors, children and adolescents coping with a myriad of diagnoses and concerns. I use diagnoses as a means to understand a cluster of symptoms; however, believe in addressing specific problem areas in a direct and collaborative way.

Although coping with depression or anxiety may be a reason for pursuing treatment, there are many other reasons for pursuing therapy. For some, gaining important skills or resolving specific concerns may lead to seeking services. Some such reasons may include, learning how to address conflict effectively, dealing with the grief and loss of a loved one, learning mindfulness skills, a desire to communicate with others in a direct and respectful manner, addressing feelings of guilt or shame, or increasing patience and regulating anger. Couples may seek services to learn how to more effectively communicate with their partner in order to get needs met and improve emotional and physical intimacy. I am well versed in treating these issues, and will often assign at-home practice to help you take the insight you gain in session to making lasting life changes. 

I have received extensive training, and specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a present-focused and collaborative approach to therapy. CBT identifies the connection between how thoughts impact the way that we perceive ourselves, others and the future. With a focus on the role of how thoughts affect emotions and lead to behaviors that are either effective or ineffective, CBT empowers the individual to make positive changes in their life with long-term results. Therapy focuses on gaining concrete tools to combat depression, anxiety or specific concerns. CBT has been extensively researched across thousands of clinical trials as one of the most effective therapy modalities and has been found to be equivalent to, or superior to medications in treating depression and anxiety.

I also integrate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills in treatment. DBT can be likened to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in that it focuses on the cycle of thoughts, emotions and behaviors. DBT takes special care to understand the role of emotions in the human experience, and teaches multiple skills to alleviate suffering where emotions can become dysregulated or feel out of control. This particular type of therapy is useful in situations where anger, sadness or anxiety can lead to behaviors that feel extreme, or are disproportionate to the trigger that elicited them. Therapy focuses on gaining an understanding on why we feel what we feel, and how we can use our emotions towards behaviors that are more in line with our values and the life we want to live. 

I honor spiritual beliefs in guiding treatment. Spirituality can inform values, and give meaning and purpose to life. Whenever possible, I will work with you to integrate your beliefs in creating a life where you are living according to your full purpose. 

I pride myself on being culturally sensitive and value the impact of one's culture on how they view themselves, others and the world. I am fluent in Farsi/Persian and understand the nuances of the culture on the individual and family system.