I have more than 24 years in the medical field and over 10 years as a psychotherapist. My interest and intention is to bring an integrative lens that is grounded in deeply listening and supporting the clients unique experience.

Therapy can be provided in Hebrew (קצת) and proficient (but somewhat rusty) Farsi.

I see both individuals and couples who are facing a variety of struggles. Some of the concerns I commonly treat include: trauma, sexuality, communication difficulties, trust issues, navigating dating and relationships (showing up authentically to find meaningful connection), coping with major life transitions such as the transition to parenthood or moving in with a partner.

In addition, I deeply enjoy supporting individuals to feel more confident and overcome challenges including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, major life transitions, and in general, finding more satisfaction and pleasure in life. I see an equal distribution of individuals and couples in my caseload. What I love most about being a psychotherapist is its emphasis on healing relationships and the value placed on understanding discord through a contextual lens. I have a keen appreciation of how context – each individual’s experience and perception – affects how they communicate and function within their relationships. We are all products of our environments, experiences, perceptions and conscious decisions.

Short professional story

Meditation and Yoga In the early 1990’s, I naturally began a daily meditation and yoga practice which has been a bedrock in my life. Since then, I spent years in yoga and meditation trainings and mainly teaching in NYC and Israel. I still hold a daily practice and enjoy retreats like vipassana. More than a decade ago, I assisted my beloved teacher in opening HariNYC yoga center, which has been a healing haven for many. Additionally, I have been trained in sexuality practices like OM and worked for Regina, nutrition certifications, and other eastern modalities such as Ayurveda certification for medical professionals directed by Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya and others.

Registered Nurse I entered nursing school with the intention in wanting to be an integrative physician. At that time, I realized that I did not want to be in the medical field so I focused my nursing career in psychology and women’s health. From 2005-2009, I worked at a NYC fertility and endocrinology center. I was able to bring holistic modalities, such as yoga and nutrition, to the center. This lead me to have a NYC private practice to assist women and couples with issues regarding fertility, sexuality, and health.

Research As a researcher, I was a visiting scholar at Tel Aviv University with a grant funded study and published work using The Listening Guide methodology to study women with Eastern-Western hyphenated identities, their sexual development, and relationships. I was trained by Carol Gilligan, PhD. Currently, I’m working on my dissertation focused on forgiveness, attachment and sexual desire in long-term romantic relationships. I’ve conducted research in NYU, Veteran’s Affairs in Palto Alto, Tel Aviv University, and institutes across Israel. Currently, I am a reviewer for Sexual and Relationship Therapy Journal.

Psychotherapy I obtained my Master’s degree at New York University. And, an additional NYU certification in Transdisciplinary Violence and Trauma Studies Program lead by Judith Alpert, PhD, which focused on psychoanalysis, literature, philosophy, history, and sociology. I was trained and worked at Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy’s Trauma Studies program. I was a fellow at San Francisco Psychoanalysis Institute. Currently, I am obtaining my doctorate in Human Sexuality. I am on the training team at EMDR Education and Training Center.

I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist, my work is primarily based on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples and Individual Therapy (EFCT/EFIT). I hold advance training in Emotionally Focused Couples and Individual Therapy, EMDR, Maternal Mental Health, Somatic Mindfulness and Sex Therapist (AASECT). Additionally, I hold training and extensive tools in Internal Family Systems/parts work, Gottman couples therapy (level 2), Hakomi, exposure therapy, narrative/schema therapy and cognitive skill building (CBT, ACT and TEAM-CBT). I work with couples and individuals experiencing emotional distress and/or experiencing a desire to deepen their understanding of themselves, live with more vitality, improve in areas of communication, commitment, forgiveness, grief, relationship-building, conflict resolution and emotional-regulation. I am engaged, curious, and active in my approach with clients. I highly value education so you can often find me reading, in a training, or consultation group. (Training List)

Personal I am a child of the Iranian Revolution; thus I can discuss refuggee/exiled, and eastern/western, and war upbringing experiences. My therapuetic values are creativity, mindfulness, empathy and curiousity - my hope is to bring these skills to support your healing. When I’m away from therapy sessions or researching, you can find me enjoying my family and friends, painting, gardening, knitting, kayaking, movement, meditating, comedy clubs, dancing, and horseback riding.

What does this mean for our work together?

All of my training, experience and commitment to lifelong learning contributes to my ability to help you uncover your unique path towards increased fulfillment and connection. In our work together, I will be mindful of your needs, considerate of your unique challenges, and unceasingly supportive of your goals.

I value authenticity, humor, courage and curiosity – in myself and in my clients. Through a professional relationship based on mutual trust and respect, we’ll empower you to move forward with more joy, confidence, and resilience.

Education

Northeastern University
Nursing, BA 2005

New York University
Clinical Counselor, MA, 2013. Transdisciplinary Violence and Trauma Studies Program, Certification, 2013

California Institute of Integral Studies. Human Sexuality, PhD, current.

Activities & Affiliations

• NCCEFT, Board Member 2020-2023
• EMDRIA, Certified Therapist and Consultant
• ICEEFT, Member and Fully Trained • PSI, Certified Maternal Mental Health Therapist • AASECT, Fully Trained

State Licensed

• California

• New Jersey