(she/her)
Welcome. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and am licensed in the state of California. I am originally from Iceland but have lived in the U.S. since January of 2005. I received my education at Capella University and graduated in 2017. I have experience working with CPTSD, PTSD, anxiety & panic, self-esteem, self-doubt, cultural stress, existential crisis, first generation immigration & family estrangement. I’m passionate about empowering the self and as a person-centered, strength-based therapist, I believe that you seek therapy with the untapped ability to be your best self. In addition to provide services in English, I also speak Icelandic.
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, and then discuss the reason you entered therapy. This helps me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. You can also ask me questions, and talk to me about your fears about entering therapy (if any). After I tailor a treatment plan, I will discuss this with you to make sure that you and I are on the same page.
I have had success in assisting clients to identify the root cause of their challenges as well as creating plans that lead to measurable progress. I also can help clients come to terms with that changes do not happen overnight and progress comes with dedication, which I believe we all can find within ourselves, little by little. I also believe I can learn from the client and their word matters. Clients are the experts in their life's journey.
I am best positioned to support adults (ages 18–70), including trauma survivors, individuals experiencing PTSD and anxiety, and first- and second-generation immigrants. Many of my clients are navigating the impact of past experiences, cultural identity, and life transitions while seeking to feel more grounded, confident, and emotionally regulated. I work well with those who are open to self-exploration and want to better understand how their past shapes present patterns, while also building practical tools for coping and growth. My approach integrates cognitive, mindfulness-based, somatic, and relational strategies to support healing, resilience, and meaningful change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Utilizing a person-centered approach allows me to meet the client where they are currently at. With this method, the client has the potential for improved self-awareness, improved self-concept (the way you see yourself), and a greater trust in oneself and one's abilities.
Strength-Based
To assist clients in developing the confidence to embark on the journey of recovery and aiding them to progress toward mental health recovery.
Trauma Informed Care
This allows me as your therapist to have a complete picture of your life situation — past and present — to provide effective services with a healing orientation.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
Multicultural
A form of talk therapy that aims to address the concerns of clients whose race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, disability status, or other social factor(s) falls outside of the majority or outside the dominant social group
3 ratings with written reviews
March 19, 2026
Swany Arnar was very welcoming and engaging during our introductory session. She clearly had reviewed the information I on I had provided about my background and objectives for seeking therapy. We were able to set actionable goals based on that. I felt like I could trust her expertise and guidance.
March 18, 2026
Warm, compassionate, female, European.
March 17, 2026
I've only had my first session with her but I plan on seeing her on out . She seemed very compassionate and eager to help