LMFT, 10 years of experience
My name is Farbod Khalafi. I am a second generation Persian-American. My own background continues to shape the way I approach this work. As the child of Persian immigrant parents raised in Orange County, California, I often felt caught between two cultures—never quite fitting into either. Therapy helped me better understand those experiences and how they impacted me. That personal insight continues to inform how I show up for my clients—with cultural humility, empathy, and curiosity.
We'll work together to identify what you're looking for from therapy and where I can help. For my new clients, I'll also give a short introduction to the process and what to expect. Whether you're new or familiar with therapy, we will also do an overview of our treatment goals to help bring our work to life!
My greatest strength as a provider is not coming in with assumptions of understanding. I focus on encouraging building brave moments to take with you outside of therapy, where it counts the most at the end of the day. I also come in with the lived experience of being 2nd generation (child of parents who immigrated to the United States) in learning first hand about the unique struggles that come with balancing the two worlds.
At some point, many of us come to realize that life isn’t unfolding the way we hoped. We find ourselves stuck in the same patterns—frustrated when they don’t bring the change we’re looking for. And yet, the idea of doing things differently can feel overwhelming. Change often means facing the unknown, risking disapproval, or disrupting what feels familiar—even if it’s not working. So we stay on autopilot. But at what cost? Are you going through the motions, feeling disconnected from your own life? I’ve been there, too. Through my own therapy, I gradually let go of the pressure to be perfect and began to face the parts of myself that were hurting. It wasn’t easy—but it was real, and it was freeing. That experience showed me what’s possible when we give ourselves permission to heal and reconnect with who we really are. It’s a journey I now feel honored to support others through.
Clinically, my approach is integrative. I draw from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mind-body practices to support the whole person. I focus on helping clients reconnect with themselves by integrating the heart, mind, and body—laying the foundation for meaningful healing and lasting growth.