Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. Prior to becoming licensed in 2017, I worked with children and youth in public and private schools as a Behavior Interventionist for over a decade. I also worked in a mental health non-profit providing counseling and other social services to culturally, spiritually, and linguistically diverse populations. My expertise includes working with victims of crimes and domestic violence, working with immigrants and refugees, and individuals from the South West Asian North African (SWANA) region.
In our first session, I will ask you about the reasons you are seeking therapy, will ask about some personal background information, and discuss what you would like to accomplish in therapy. By the end of the session, we will identify goals of therapy, and I will explain the therapeutic approach that may be most effective to accomplish your goals.
My strength-based client-centered culturally sensitive approach has been my greatest strength in building a genuine and strong relationship with my clients. I have been told by clients that my genuine personality and my humility put them at ease to open up and be vulnerable.
Nassiba Cherif offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
I firmly believe in the uniqueness and complexity of each person's journey and experiences. Understanding the intricacies of their personality and recognizing the interplay of various dimensions—physical, emotional, cognitive, cultural, and spiritual—is paramount in my approach. To cater to the diverse needs of my clients, I employ an integrative approach, drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities and techniques. This ensures that I can effectively tailor my interventions to support each individual on their path towards growth and healing.
Over the past decade, I've applied CBT to effectively treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My approach begins with educating clients on the principles and techniques involved. We then pinpoint triggers and thought patterns that contribute to distress, and work on implementing coping strategies to mitigate their negative effects on mental health. CBT is structured in nature and will include homework assignments between sessions to reinforce newly acquired skills ultimately fostering lasting change and enhancing overall well-being.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy empowers individuals, couples, and families to utilize their strengths in achieving meaningful goals. Rather than dwelling on the past, I collaborate with clients to find practical solutions and focus on the future. By highlighting their existing strengths and resources, I help them envision achievable outcomes. Through targeted discussions and setting realistic goals, we discover strategies to overcome challenges and improve well-being.