I am a California board-certified licensed marriage and family therapist working with individuals, families, and couples in Orange County. 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. 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. So much of what I love about my work as a therapist and adjunct 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?

Change happens symbiotically in relationships. Therapy is the link to starting the healing process. I promise to bring dignity, intellect, compassion, humor, and transparency into each session. I am curious about understanding your experiences, challenges faced, and meanings made. We will work collaboratively to connect you with your values and preferences. I work with diverse individuals, couples, families, and groups, cultivating growth and healing by building relationships shaped by meaning-making

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

Allow me to witness you in a safe space as we collaboratively tackle the problems that weigh you down. Types of Therapy Approaches Individuals, Couples, and Family Counseling Attachment-based Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Compassion Focused Culturally Sensitive Emotionally Focused Existential Experiential Therapy Expressive Arts Family / Marital Collaborative Humanistic Multicultural Narrative Relational Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Strength-Based Trauma-Informed Concerns such as: Relational Issues Anxiety Depression Trauma Aging Grief and Loss Substance and Alcohol Misuse Pet Bereavement Disordered Eating Postpartum Perfectionism LGBTQIA+ Phases of Life Changes

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I recognize meaningfulness in feeling seen, accepted, and finding hope in the presence of genuine care. 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.

About Parisa Gallinger