Parisa Gallinger, Psy.D., LMFT I hold a doctorate in psychology and am certified by the California Board as a marriage and family therapist working with individuals, families, and couples. My mission is to create a supportive space where we can face fears with compassion, courageously embrace openness, and find relief in human connections. Our sense of identity can be in crisis due to the burdensome societal expectations placed on us. So much of what I love about my work as a therapist and faculty member at the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where I teach clinical psychology graduate courses, is getting to know people and helping them through life, one step at a time, no matter who they are or where they are on their path.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I recognize meaningfulness in feeling seen, accepted, and finding hope in the presence of genuine care.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
The therapeutic relationship is one of the most valuable tools for uncovering inner strength. My goal is to help you embrace your values, live according to your preferences, to flourish as your best self.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I believe there is no greater agony than a story untold. It is empowering to learn about ourselves and choose how to proceed. I am devoted to social justice, honoring intimate knowledge of individual lives, and standing against violence, abuse, marginalization, and oppression.
About Parisa Gallinger
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Narrative
Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of the stories we tell about ourselves and how these narratives shape our identities and experiences. As a therapist, I have found that narrative therapy can be particularly effective in helping clients re-author their lives and find new meaning in their experiences. I use narrative therapy to help clients explore their identities, externalize their problems, and create more empowering narratives that foster resilience and growth. This approach promotes self-awareness and encourages clients to envision a future that aligns with their values and aspirations.
Polyvagal Therapy
Polyvagal Therapy emphasizes the role of the autonomic nervous system in emotional regulation, social connection, and fear responses. It provides a framework for understanding how our physiological states impact our emotional experiences and behavior. In my practice, I continue to incorporate polyvagal therapy to help clients recognize their bodily responses, develop self-regulation skills, and foster a sense of safety and connection in their lives. This approach not only aids in trauma recovery but also enhances overall emotional well-being.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment for healing. It involves understanding the effects of trauma on individuals and integrating this understanding into all aspects of therapy. In my work with clients, I strive to apply TIC principles, recognizing the profound impact of trauma and prioritizing the client's safety, choice, and self-determination in the therapeutic process.