Kobra Schabanpour
I believe healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and accepted. My role is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself, explore what you are going through, and move at a pace that feels right for you. My own life experiences, combined with my education and professional work in social work and mental health, have taught me the importance of meeting each person as an individual. I bring empathy, curiosity, and authenticity to my work, and I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change.
In our work together, whether individually or in a group setting, I take a holistic approach that supports your well-being in mind, body, and spirit.
I work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, ages, and life experiences, including those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, major life transitions, and relationship or identity-related challenges. I draw on evidence-informed approaches and adapt my work to each person's needs, rather than believing that one approach fits everyone. Having lived in different countries and being fluent in English, Farsi, and German, I understand how culture, migration, identity, and life experiences can shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Most importantly, I see therapy as a collaborative process. You bring your story and your experience; I bring my professional knowledge, experience, and genuine commitment to supporting you. Together, we can work toward greater understanding, healing, and a life that feels more meaningful to you.
First session
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and talk about what brings you to therapy. You’ll have space to share what you’re experiencing, at your own pace, without pressure or judgment. Together, we’ll begin to understand the challenges you’re facing, explore what you hope to change, and identify goals for our work together. We’ll also discuss how I can best support you and what approach may fit your needs. You don’t need to have everything figured out before our first session. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer sense of the next steps we can take together.
Strengths
What sets my approach apart is the combination of genuine human connection, cultural sensitivity, and individualized care. Clients often tell me that they feel truly heard, safe, and supported in our work together. I create a space where people can speak openly and without judgment, building trust through active listening, empathy, and authenticity. I believe therapy works best when it is collaborative. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, I adapt my work to each client’s unique experiences, needs, and goals, drawing on evidence-informed techniques that fit their individual situation. I encourage clients to be active participants in their own healing and growth. My personal and professional experiences have also shaped the way I work. I have supported people across different ages, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations, and I understand how culture, migration, identity, and life experiences can influence a person’s emotional well-being. Being fluent in English, Farsi, and German, and having lived in three different countries, allows me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds with openness and cultural sensitivity. I bring not only professional experience, but also curiosity, compassion, and a genuine respect for each person’s unique story.
Ideal clients
While I work with clients of all ages, I have a particular connection with young adults. This stage of life can bring significant changes, questions, and challenges around identity, relationships, career, and finding a sense of direction. I especially enjoy working with people who are curious about themselves and open to exploring new perspectives and approaches. Together, we can identify patterns, develop practical skills, and build greater confidence and self-understanding. My goal is to support clients in creating a life that feels more meaningful, authentic, and fulfilling to them.
Treatment methods
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, fears, addictive/compulsive behaviors, and everyday negative experiences. I have found that EMDR helps my clients get unstuck when they feel like they cannot get past certain disturbing memories or behaviors. I am a certified practitioner of EMDR and have been using this method regularly since 2015. I offer EMDR as a sole method of therapy or as an adjunct to other therapies. EMDR-Flash Technique (FT) was originally developed as an addition to the preparation phase of EMDR. FT has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the disturbance level associated with severely painful memories, sometimes in as little as ten to fifteen minutes. Like EMDR, FT utilizes eye movements or alternating tapping and is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. I am a certified practitioner of EMDR Flash Technique and I use it to help adolescents and adults.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts by interrogating and uprooting negative or irrational beliefs. CBT rests on the idea that thoughts and perceptions influence behavior. Evidence has mounted that CBT can address numerous conditions, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and many others. I have extensive training in CBT and use it with clients as needed.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides clients with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. DBT specifically focuses on providing therapeutic skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I have basic training in DBT and use it to treat borderline personality disorder, depression, bulimia, binge-eating, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic-stress disorder, and substance use.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) as a technique concentrates on finding solutions in the present and exploring one’s hopes for the future in order to find a quick and pragmatic resolution of one’s problems. One of the first questions a therapist asks is called the “miracle question”: “If a miracle occurred while you were asleep tonight, what changes would you notice in your life tomorrow?” I’m certified in SFBT and use it to support my clients to improve their life with finding the best solutions. You will begin to chart small, pragmatic ways to make changes in your life to achieve your goals.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a short-term form of therapy that focuses on adult relationships and attachment/bonding. The therapist and clients look at patterns in the relationship and take steps to create a more secure bond and develop more trust to move the relationship in a healthier, more positive direction. I have basic training in EFT and continue to hone my practice through group consultations with other EFT practitioners.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 65677