About Us

About Mahsa

I have always had a passion for helping people. Everyone has a story and a history, and I love to listen to individuals share their pasts and discover their identities, hopes, and desires in the present. It is an honor for me to offer support and guidance to my clients as they access their innate ability to heal themselves.

I specialize in working with tweens, teens, parents and adult children of a Narcissistic parent, but I also enjoy working with couples, families, and individuals, or anyone who needs to spend time in a caring, warm environment.

In my practice, I spend a lot of time listening. I step back and allow you to share, process, and work in the ways that best suit you and your situation. I am not here to tell you what to do or to judge you for your experiences. Rather, with warmth and compassion, I can help you grow into who you really are. In sessions, I will meet you where you are and help you feel comfortable every step of the way.

I approach therapy with the belief that people are experts in their own lives. With a supportive space and the proper tools, each and every person can access their needs and find personal healing. In my practice, I strive to provide the compassionate space and guidance often needed to help my clients develop those tools. I am here to help you to explore freely and to facilitate your path to healing.

I work with a strength-based approach and help clients discover and develop their innate skills. In therapy sessions, I am warm, empathic, and open, and I maintain my focus on your needs, comfort, and goals.

I firmly believe that every person has the strength and ability to make positive changes, increase confidence, and feel more empowered within his or herself. Sometimes, you just need some help to access it.

In my office, you will find a completely nonjudgmental space. You can express yourself openly and share exactly what is on your mind. No matter how isolated, overwhelmed, or discouraged you may feel right now, others have shared your experiences. In sessions, I can help you see that you are not alone or abnormal. I will encourage you to move naturally and work at your own pace. Rather than setting many short-term goals that may put pressure on you, I focus on a general long-term goal that fits your individual situation and needs.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Masters degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am certified in the following treatment models that I employ frequently in my work:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma and grief work
• EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or Tapping
• Gottman Couples Level I
• Sandtray Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Guided Imagery

Outside of my office, I spend a lot of time with my two young children and my husband. I love getting out there and experiencing life, whether that means exploring a forest or playing at the beach. Real, wholesome food fuels my family. I also practice yoga, cook/bake, and enjoy dancing.

If you need space and guidance as you work through life’s challenges, I can help. With my nonjudgmental, open approach, I can help you unlock your inner strengths and make positive changes in your life. I invite you to call me at (925) 289-9733 to learn more about my practice and for a free 20-minute consultation.

 

About Andrew

As far back as I can remember I have had the gift of listening to other’s struggles with empathy, compassion and an objective approach. Over the years I have honed this innate strength into a professional practice that I have found to be extremely fulfilling as well as my life’s calling. My focus is in creating a non-judgmental, compassionate environment that is conducive to healing. When people feel truly cared for, as well truly heard they grow in positive directions. This is the premise of Carl Rogers and this is the basis of everything that I do.

I utilize an array of interventions and approaches from Client-centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Experiential Therapy.  I am trained and experienced in the following techniques and interventions:

• Trauma Focussed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Play Therapy
• Sandtray
• Motivational Interviewing
• Mindfullness and Body Awareness
• Guided Imagery

I also refer to my wife, Mahsa, for any of my clients who would benefit from EMDR or EFT work.  These models and techniques are each very effective in their own ways. Yet, I also strongly believe that all of the interventions in the world are empty without real connection and compassion. Therefore these principles remain the foundation of my practice.

I specialize in working with Adult Children of Alcoholics, along with adult children in general. The term “adult child” refers to anyone from a dysfunctional home that has traits which reveal past abuse or neglect. Substance use may not necessarily have been present in these homes.

I also specialize in various men’s issues which include: discovering your inner passion, embracing adventure, breaking addiction, learning to care for yourself and increasing your connection with others.

I have worked extensively with children, adolescents and families in various areas including trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism-spectrum disorder and family conflict. Throughout my various experiences I have found that, in a nurturing environment, clients can dramatically change the entire trajectory of their lives.

When you are seeing me you will feel heard, validated and accepted. I will challenge you to try new things, take risks and make measurable steps towards your goals. This will all be done with care, patience and compassion. My treatment approach is to encourage you to identify your unique, innate strengths, to make specific, measurable goals and then to work alongside you in achieving those goals.

In my free hours I enjoy spending time with my two young children and my wife. I believe that life is an adventure and, especially as men, we must fuel this desire for adventure or end up feeling the despair of neglecting one of our greatest strengths. I accomplish this by engaging in my hobbies of cycling, camping, surfing, hiking, and spending time outdoors.  Nature and connection to my family nourish my soul.

If you are looking for a place to find healing and to address the things that have slowed you down for too long, give me a call at (925) 322-0793.