LPCC, 6 years of experience
My name is Arakel Aristakessian and I am a first generation American of Armenian immigrants. There is never a lack of drama in my family and I think it is important to be mindful of cultural expectations and norms when navigating conflict. In this fashion, I use an individualized approach to meet my clients' needs. My style of therapy is grounded in the person-centered approach. I practice listening with empathy to my client’s lived experiences. I remind myself that it is not my place to judge anyone for their past choices. It is my responsibility to respond honestly and respectfully. My hope is to mediate shame, so that people feel comfortable and safe in opening up about what is troubling them. Once the therapeutic space feels safe, only then can various treatment methods truly be effective.
The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and explore goals and needs. I am ready to answer any questions clients may have about therapy so that they move forward feeling assured.
I have nearly 10 years of experience working in the helping field. I practice what I preach by seeing my own therapist when I need to work through thoughts and feelings. I am fluent in Spanish and Armenian and have had the opportuntiy to immerse myself in different cultures.
Personally, I can relate to clients coping with trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, addiction, and integrating into a new culture.
My style of therapy is grounded in the person-centered approach. I practice listening with empathy to my clients' lived experiences. I remind myself that it is not my place to judge anyone for their past choices. It is my responsibility to respond honestly and respectfully. My hope is to mediate shame, so that people feel comfortable and safe in opening up about what is troubling them. Once the therapeutic space feels safe, only then can various treatment methods truly be effective.
I use various CBT strategies because it helps us consider various perspectives, find solutions, and modify our behaviors according to our values.
I like practicing Gestalt techniques because they allow us to profoundly explore our feelings and possibly uncover unmet needs.
DBT is a great way to learn various ways of regulating our reactions so that they are thoughtful responses. It is important to express ourselves honestly and yet respectfully.
The process of bringing closure to a relationship or losing somebody we care for deeply is a painful process and there are various ways of healing.
6 ratings with written reviews
July 1, 2025
My first session was positively impactful. Arakel is empathetic, solution oriented, and warm. A+++
May 13, 2025
Arakel has become such an important and helpful influence on my life. He has the warmest energy with the most empowering messages. He helps me realize a lot about myself. Arakel also has an incredible memory, remembering things I have told him months ago constantly and consistently! It has been a pleasure having sessions with him.
April 23, 2025
They were so compassionate and kind. I greatly appreciated their understanding and the way they showed deep empathy and reflected value in my experiences while empowering me to feel proud of my accomplishments and continue to stay on course with my progress. They showed me my worth. I feel really motivated and strong after my session and like I can really see myself having continued success with therapy. I am so grateful for the time the therapist spent being kind to me, holding space for me and being so supportive.