Hello, my name is Ani Kirakosyan. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT100264). In my practice, I take a collaborative and individualized approach to providing therapy. I believe that each person's experience is unique and requires tailored interventions to help them reach their goals. I draw on several evidence-based strategies to create the most effective treatment plans for my clients. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. I have always been drawn to a career in therapy since I was very young. As a child, I was fortunate enough to have strong relationships with my family and friends which gave me an appreciation for the benefits of strong interpersonal relationships. Through these experiences, I developed a desire to help others through their own struggles and grow into their true potential. As I grew older, my passion for psychology and mental health only deepened. I find therapy to be a deeply powerful and rewarding experience. My work as a therapist encourages me to remain open-minded, patient, and empathetic in order to help my clients reach their goals. It is incredibly fulfilling to witness the positive changes that can occur when individuals are given the right resources and guidance. Ultimately, I find that my role as a therapist is to provide guidance, support, and hope during challenging times. This is what drives me to continue learning and growing in this field. My style is warm and empathetic, but also direct and honest. I strive to create an atmosphere where my clients feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without feeling judged or ashamed. I value building a strong therapeutic alliance with each of my clients so that we can work together to reach the most beneficial outcomes. Overall, I work hard to make sure that each client feels supported, respected, and heard in our sessions. I believe in providing an open and accepting atmosphere so that clients can explore their experiences and emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
When clients connect for their first session, I always like to take some time to get to know them. We'll discuss their current situation and the goals they would like to work on. This helps me gain a better understanding of what kind of help they are looking for and how we can best tailor our services to meet their needs. I may also ask clients about their past experience with therapy and what has been helpful for them before. This helps me tailor the techniques I use based on their individual needs and preferences. We will discuss any concerns or hesitations they have, as well as confidentiality and my role as a therapist. I always like to make sure that clients feel comfortable in our sessions and that I am able to provide the help they need. Together, we will decide on a plan for our future work together. This plan may include different types of treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy. My goal is always to create an environment where clients can feel safe, supported, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.
My primary theoretical approach is CBT, which is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, then helping clients to modify them with more constructive alternatives. I also use DBT to emphasize mindfulness techniques and to develop healthy coping skills to help manage distress. ACT is an experiential approach that I use to encourage clients to accept and work with their thoughts, feelings, and experiences as opposed to trying to fight against them. I also like to use psychodynamic therapy to look at how unconscious thought processes, emotions, and early childhood experiences can influence current behaviors. Lastly, I implement solution-focused brief therapy to help individuals focus on ways to move forward in life by finding what works and building on it.
I typically work with adults dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, stress management, and life transitions. I am experienced in working with clients from diverse backgrounds and have a special interest in providing culturally competent therapy. I strive to provide an accepting and safe environment to help my clients reach their goals.
Adults (18+), couples, with relational issues, anxiety, life path, family, adjustment issues.