Licensed to practice in California and accepts 21 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Racism, Trauma and PTSD and 8 more.
(she/her)
Hi! I’m Pooja Parashar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with a Master’s from USC. I’m passionate about making therapy accessible & breaking the stigma of seeking help, especially with clients of color. My approach centers on building an empathic connection & meeting you where you are. I offer virtual & in-person services, specializing in trauma, communication issues, & anxiety, viewing clients holistically within their broader life context. I strive to create a healing environment by tailoring therapy to your needs. I am deeply committed to offering a supportive space where you can truly feel safe and heard.
In our first session together, I start by checking in with you to meet you where you are in the moment and approach you with empathy to make you feel comfortable and safe in our therapeutic space. We then dive into what's bringing you into therapy, as well as exploring what you want to get out of therapy. This will help me create a plan for us to work together in our sessions moving forward.
My clients learn useful coping skills as they work toward their goals. Clients often see increased self-awareness, resilience, & a deeper connection to their true potential. With compassion & care, I create a space where you can go from surviving to thriving!
I love working with adults, couples, and teens who have a genuine interest in wanting to create change in their lives. My approach is grounded in empathy and I want to help you heal from within by understanding yourself better. I care about helping my clients help themselves by setting realistic goals that allow them to thrive. I love to plant therapeutic seeds with my clients & hope that my clients blossom. Healing starts from within, which allows clients to build a strong foundation of self-care in their sessions.
Other specialties
I identify as
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
AvMed
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to their trauma, anxiety, and/or other mental health struggles. By incorporating culturally sensitive and personalized approaches, I guide clients in developing healthier coping mechanisms and building a stronger sense of self.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I incorporate culturally sensitive therapy by honoring each client's unique cultural background, values, and experiences, creating a safe and inclusive space for exploration and growth. Through active listening and culturally attuned interventions, I help teens, adults, and couples navigate challenges while fostering understanding and connection within their personal and relational contexts.
Trauma Informed Care
I incorporate trauma-informed care by prioritizing safety, trust, and empowerment in my work with teens, adults, and couples, recognizing the impact of trauma on their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Using a compassionate and collaborative approach, I tailor interventions to promote healing and resilience while avoiding re-traumatization.
Gottman method
I incorporate the Gottman Method in couples work by helping partners strengthen their connection through improved communication, conflict resolution, and fostering deeper emotional intimacy. In individual sessions, I adapt these principles to help clients explore their relational patterns, develop healthier ways to manage conflict, and enhance their overall relationship skills.
Compassion Focused
I incorporate compassion into my work by helping teens, adults, and couples cultivate self-compassion and kindness as a foundation for healing and personal growth. Through this approach, I guide clients in reducing self-criticism, building emotional resilience, and fostering deeper empathy within themselves and their relationships.
1 rating with written reviews
June 10, 2025
Pooja is a compassionate and attentive listener who creates a warm, nonjudgmental space that makes it easy to open up. From the very first session, I felt heard, supported, and genuinely understood. Although I’m still early in my journey with her, I already feel more hopeful and grounded. She’s helped me start connecting the dots between my thoughts, emotions, and patterns, and I look forward to continuing the work together!