New to Grow
Linehan Board-Certified DBT Specialist | Holistic Wellness Advocate Clinical Expertise & Background With 25 years of clinical experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s complexities with balance and resilience. I am a Linehan Board-Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT), a credential that reflects my deep commitment to providing the highest standard of evidence-based care. My academic foundation began at St. Louis University (MO), where I earned both my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and my Master of Social Work. This rigorous training, combined with decades of practice, allows me to offer a space that is as clinically sound as it is compassionate and nonjudgmental. My Approach I provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy for adolescents and adults (ages 16+). My style is warm, collaborative, and deeply respectful of your unique journey. I specialize in integrating DBT strategies to help you overcome barriers and build a life that feels truly worth living. A Holistic Perspective I believe that mental health is inextricably linked to physical well-being. When I’m not in the clinician’s chair, I’m likely moving. I am certified in spinning/cycling and have a deep passion for power walking, latin dance, yoga, and Pilates. This personal commitment to the mind-body connection informs my therapeutic perspective—I understand the discipline and rhythm required to foster lasting change. The "Co-Therapist" Healing often comes in small, furry packages. I have a 6-year-old toy Yorkie who frequently joins me. While he isn’t a registered service dog, he is an expert in providing comfort and a calming presence. He is available to join our sessions upon request (and rest assured, he is excellent at maintaining client confidentiality). Languages & Inclusion: My native language is English and I am proficient in Farsi. I warmly welcome Farsi-speaking clients to my practice.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I know that taking this first step can feel like a heavy lift—it’s natural to feel a mix of uncertainty and vulnerability. Think of our first meeting as a discovery session. My priority is to provide a grounded, supportive environment where you can speak freely and feel truly seen. During this initial hour, we will: - Connect: Get to know one another and ensure you feel comfortable in this space. - Collaborate: Discuss what brings you to therapy and begin defining your specific goals for the future. - Clarify: Identify the DBT strategies or holistic approaches that best fit your unique needs. With over two decades in practice, I’ve learned that the best therapy is a partnership. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions about my background, my approach, or the process itself. My goal is for you to walk away from our first session with a sense of relief, clarity, and a concrete plan for the road ahead.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Therapy is never a one-size-fits-all process. My greatest strength is the ability to see the person, not just the "case." Cultural Humility: Your background—including ethnicity, culture, age, and life circumstances—is an essential part of the healing process. I bring deep cultural humility to our work, including specialized support for the military community, LGBTQ, and Farsi-speaking individuals. Versatility: Although DBT is the foundation of my practice, I draw from a wide range of therapeutic approaches. Just as I balance the high energy of a spin class with the mindfulness of yoga, I ensure your treatment fits you—not the other way around.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My Ideal Client: Reclaiming Your Rhythm If you feel like your emotions are "running the show," you aren't alone. It is completely normal to feel drained, anxious, or disconnected when the pressures of life or past traumas take their toll. Whether you feel "stuck" or simply overwhelmed, I work with individuals who are ready to move from surviving to thriving. How We’ll Work Together With over 25 years of experience, I have seen firsthand how clients can transform their lives by learning to shift their thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses. We won't just talk about the hurdles; we will create a personalized plan to help you navigate life with confidence and intention. I utilize a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific needs, including: - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): To help you find balance and regulate intense emotions. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To identify and shift the patterns that keep you stuck. - Psychodynamic Therapy: To gain deeper insight into the underlying experiences that shape your world. Much like building physical endurance in a spin class or core strength in Pilates, we will work to build the "emotional muscle" needed for lasting resilience and healthier relationships. Take the Next Step My goal is for you to feel grounded, resilient, and empowered in your own skin. If you are ready to reclaim control and build a life you truly value, I welcome you to reach out today to schedule an appointment. - Now accepting clients in California and Missouri.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I am a DBT certifed clinician where I teach clients how to use DBT skills to help manage their emotions, increase distress tolerance, improve interpersonal relationships and practice core mindfulness.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I work with clients to identify how their thought patterns and beliefs impact their behavior. Once we identify those belief systems we work together to challenge and reframe beliefs that present as barriers to change.
Psychodynamic
Through this centered client approach , clients will explore and increase their understanding and awareness of how their childhood, family of origin and past traumas impact current thoughts and behaviors.