Arab and Middle Eastern Therapists in Encino, CA
My passion for my work comes from helping you with your current problems and longstanding patterns in a caring, nonjudgmental, and insightful way. The joint learning, collaboration, and even humor on this journey inspires me, as we work as a team. I'm an engaged, interactive, and respectful therapist, whether I'm with individuals, couples, or groups. And coming from a multicultural family background, I celebrate all types of diversity and various points of view. My areas of specialty include trauma and PTSD; relationship challenges and couples; creative clients; career transitions; and family members of the mentally ill.
My passion for my work comes from helping you with your current problems and longstanding patterns in a caring, nonjudgmental, and insightful way. The joint learning, collaboration, and even humor on this journey inspires me, as we work as a team. I'm an engaged, interactive, and respectful therapist, whether I'm with individuals, couples, or groups. And coming from a multicultural family background, I celebrate all types of diversity and various points of view. My areas of specialty include trauma and PTSD; relationship challenges and couples; creative clients; career transitions; and family members of the mentally ill.
Your life looks fine on paper. You have the job, the relationships, the success. But it feels like your life happened to you rather than something you built intentionally. You're your own harshest critic. You've put on an easy to digest version of yourself for other people for so long that you're not sure who's underneath. You secretly suffer in relationships and work in ways you can't quite explain, and somehow you always end up feeling like it's all your fault. There's so much you want to be grateful for in your life, and it feels like something is wrong with you for not being able to enjoy it fully.
Your life looks fine on paper. You have the job, the relationships, the success. But it feels like your life happened to you rather than something you built intentionally. You're your own harshest critic. You've put on an easy to digest version of yourself for other people for so long that you're not sure who's underneath. You secretly suffer in relationships and work in ways you can't quite explain, and somehow you always end up feeling like it's all your fault. There's so much you want to be grateful for in your life, and it feels like something is wrong with you for not being able to enjoy it fully.
Imagine a client who feels overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in a loop of negative thoughts, or weighed down by unresolved trauma. They've tried to manage on their own, but now they’re ready for change. When they come to me, they're exhausted from the strain of relationships, cultural expectations, or past addiction. They want freedom from emotional burdens. I offer a safe, compassionate space where they can heal, find their voice, and build healthier coping skills. Together, we embark on a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery, rewriting their story toward a brighter future.
Imagine a client who feels overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in a loop of negative thoughts, or weighed down by unresolved trauma. They've tried to manage on their own, but now they’re ready for change. When they come to me, they're exhausted from the strain of relationships, cultural expectations, or past addiction. They want freedom from emotional burdens. I offer a safe, compassionate space where they can heal, find their voice, and build healthier coping skills. Together, we embark on a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery, rewriting their story toward a brighter future.
I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I saw how meaningful it can be for people to have a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges. I really enjoy listening to others stories and helping them better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions so they can move toward positive change. I will work to make sure you feel heard and understood by really listening to you without judgement and taking your experiences seriously. I will reflect back what I am hearing to check that I’m understanding you accurately, and I will ask questions when I need more clarity rather than making assumptions.
I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I saw how meaningful it can be for people to have a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges. I really enjoy listening to others stories and helping them better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions so they can move toward positive change. I will work to make sure you feel heard and understood by really listening to you without judgement and taking your experiences seriously. I will reflect back what I am hearing to check that I’m understanding you accurately, and I will ask questions when I need more clarity rather than making assumptions.
We provide person-centered mental health services that aim to promote psychological wellness, healing, and growth. Through the use of compassionate and collaborative care we strive to support a meaningful and fulfilling life by nurturing emotional wellbeing, fostering valued relationships, identifying the core self, and insightful learning. We embrace a holistic approach to help people cultivate a balanced lifestyle honoring: personal growth, sustained progress, and the gradual journey of healing.
We provide person-centered mental health services that aim to promote psychological wellness, healing, and growth. Through the use of compassionate and collaborative care we strive to support a meaningful and fulfilling life by nurturing emotional wellbeing, fostering valued relationships, identifying the core self, and insightful learning. We embrace a holistic approach to help people cultivate a balanced lifestyle honoring: personal growth, sustained progress, and the gradual journey of healing.
Experiencing anxiety, a relationship problem, trauma or emotional pain from long ago? Maybe it’s something that just doesn’t feel right or perhaps you just need extra support for a major life decision or situation your currently facing. I take a collaborative, nonjudgmental and empowering approach with you on your journey towards insight, healing and growth. I actively listen and help provide the confidence and guidance you need to change what is no longer serving you and begin identifying and practicing things that allows you to reach and maintain the fulfilling life that you want and deserve to have.
Experiencing anxiety, a relationship problem, trauma or emotional pain from long ago? Maybe it’s something that just doesn’t feel right or perhaps you just need extra support for a major life decision or situation your currently facing. I take a collaborative, nonjudgmental and empowering approach with you on your journey towards insight, healing and growth. I actively listen and help provide the confidence and guidance you need to change what is no longer serving you and begin identifying and practicing things that allows you to reach and maintain the fulfilling life that you want and deserve to have.
Trauma, Anxiety & Culturally Responsive Therapy - English & Arabic. You may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, or the pressure of balancing family, culture, faith, and your own needs. Whether you're a first-generation immigrant, navigating multiple identities, or simply looking for a therapist who values your lived experiences, you deserve a space where you feel understood, supported, and never have to leave parts of yourself behind.
Trauma, Anxiety & Culturally Responsive Therapy - English & Arabic. You may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, or the pressure of balancing family, culture, faith, and your own needs. Whether you're a first-generation immigrant, navigating multiple identities, or simply looking for a therapist who values your lived experiences, you deserve a space where you feel understood, supported, and never have to leave parts of yourself behind.
You said yes to the carpool, the family dinner, the work thing your boss "invited" you to. The list in your head runs all day. By the time the house quiets, you can finally hear yourself, and what you hear is unwelcome. You replay the conversation you had with your partner, the one where you almost said the real thing. You're now running on empty, overwhelmed and unsatisfied by everything and in every role, and yet you don't know what to change, everything is necessary. Friends call you the strong one. Your kids see a parent who shows up, yet you haven't shown up for yourself in a very long time- you don't even know what you want.
You said yes to the carpool, the family dinner, the work thing your boss "invited" you to. The list in your head runs all day. By the time the house quiets, you can finally hear yourself, and what you hear is unwelcome. You replay the conversation you had with your partner, the one where you almost said the real thing. You're now running on empty, overwhelmed and unsatisfied by everything and in every role, and yet you don't know what to change, everything is necessary. Friends call you the strong one. Your kids see a parent who shows up, yet you haven't shown up for yourself in a very long time- you don't even know what you want.
Can you dream of a life no longer haunted by your past? Are you feeling stuck or have a sense of overall malaise? Relational psychoanalysis offers a unique space to understand not only what has happened to you, but how your history continues to shape your inner world, often outside of conscious awareness. I help people understand themselves with profound depth; not just with symptom management. If you're ready to look at patterns, relationships, and what keeps you stuck, this work is for you.
Can you dream of a life no longer haunted by your past? Are you feeling stuck or have a sense of overall malaise? Relational psychoanalysis offers a unique space to understand not only what has happened to you, but how your history continues to shape your inner world, often outside of conscious awareness. I help people understand themselves with profound depth; not just with symptom management. If you're ready to look at patterns, relationships, and what keeps you stuck, this work is for you.
I’m a mixed-race, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who supports individuals navigating identity, trauma, C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Our practice emphasizes a compassionate body-based (somatic therapy) approach to mental health, and our time will include strengthening the connection to the body. I specialize in working with race-based stress and trauma, gender identity and exploration, couples (Monogamous, poly, and expanded), LGBTQ+ experiences, body dysphoria, PTSD, and healing from shame and oppression. Together, we’ll create a space where you can explore, heal, and grow authentically.
I’m a mixed-race, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who supports individuals navigating identity, trauma, C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Our practice emphasizes a compassionate body-based (somatic therapy) approach to mental health, and our time will include strengthening the connection to the body. I specialize in working with race-based stress and trauma, gender identity and exploration, couples (Monogamous, poly, and expanded), LGBTQ+ experiences, body dysphoria, PTSD, and healing from shame and oppression. Together, we’ll create a space where you can explore, heal, and grow authentically.
As a therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth. I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, and multicultural issues. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
As a therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth. I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, and multicultural issues. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing Individual, Family and Couples psychotherapy in a private practice setting in both West Los Angeles. I work primarily with young adults & adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral/emotional disturbance, relationship/family dilemmas. I provide a flexible approach to understanding and responding to the unique needs of each individual. The clients I typically work with include adolescents and young adults, as well as couples and families. I am most comfortable working with stress, anxiety, and family conflict (marriage, parenting, additional familial issues).
I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing Individual, Family and Couples psychotherapy in a private practice setting in both West Los Angeles. I work primarily with young adults & adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral/emotional disturbance, relationship/family dilemmas. I provide a flexible approach to understanding and responding to the unique needs of each individual. The clients I typically work with include adolescents and young adults, as well as couples and families. I am most comfortable working with stress, anxiety, and family conflict (marriage, parenting, additional familial issues).
Working with diverse population I have fostered a therapeutic relationship with my clients with the lens of Client Centered approach through empathic listening, and providing a compassionate safe space to process the unresolved trauma, which became the essential predictor of their success. I believe in empowering my clients to discover their strengths through mirroring unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to explore their vulnerability to understand themselves better.
Working with diverse population I have fostered a therapeutic relationship with my clients with the lens of Client Centered approach through empathic listening, and providing a compassionate safe space to process the unresolved trauma, which became the essential predictor of their success. I believe in empowering my clients to discover their strengths through mirroring unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to explore their vulnerability to understand themselves better.
Specialties: Trauma, grief, chronic stress, depression, anxiety, ADHD. I also work with parents who are deeply invested in their children’s well-being but feel uncertain about how to respond to challenging behaviors; and couples who want to improve communication, set healthier boundaries, resolve parenting conflicts, or rebuild trust after betrayal.
Specialties: Trauma, grief, chronic stress, depression, anxiety, ADHD. I also work with parents who are deeply invested in their children’s well-being but feel uncertain about how to respond to challenging behaviors; and couples who want to improve communication, set healthier boundaries, resolve parenting conflicts, or rebuild trust after betrayal.
At Change Within Reach, we know that seeking therapy is a courageous step, and we’re here to support you with compassion, expertise, and personalized care. Founded in 2015 by Anna Gershelis, Ph.D., LCSW, our clinic has grown into a thriving practice dedicated to providing holistic, client-centered mental health services. Our team of licensed therapists is passionate about helping you make lasting, meaningful change.
At Change Within Reach, we know that seeking therapy is a courageous step, and we’re here to support you with compassion, expertise, and personalized care. Founded in 2015 by Anna Gershelis, Ph.D., LCSW, our clinic has grown into a thriving practice dedicated to providing holistic, client-centered mental health services. Our team of licensed therapists is passionate about helping you make lasting, meaningful change.
Hi, I'm Dr. Tala, a licensed clinical psychologist here to help you improve your overall quality of life! Please email me to inquire more!
Hi, I'm Dr. Tala, a licensed clinical psychologist here to help you improve your overall quality of life! Please email me to inquire more!
I work with kids, teens, adults, and families struggling with food, eating, body image, or patterns that feel hard to manage alone. That may look like restriction, binge eating, purging, ARFID, orthorexia, compulsive exercise, or constant preoccupation with food or your body.
Disordered eating or an eating disorder is often the symptom - the thing we can see. There is usually a thing under the thing: anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, relationships, identity, difficult emotions, or ways of coping that once served you but no longer do.
Understanding the symptoms and what’s underneath can help you heal and create long-lasting change.
I work with kids, teens, adults, and families struggling with food, eating, body image, or patterns that feel hard to manage alone. That may look like restriction, binge eating, purging, ARFID, orthorexia, compulsive exercise, or constant preoccupation with food or your body.
Disordered eating or an eating disorder is often the symptom - the thing we can see. There is usually a thing under the thing: anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, relationships, identity, difficult emotions, or ways of coping that once served you but no longer do.
Understanding the symptoms and what’s underneath can help you heal and create long-lasting change.
Are you struggling to end the cycle of thinking that stops you from moving forward and having what you want in love and sex? Do you want to create happy, healthy relationships that are rooted in trust, security, intimacy, and great communication? Do you want a fulfilling sex life? For 20 years I’ve been in private practice and an expert on UK/US TV helping thousands of people just like you have whole-life success and happiness. You too can let go of the past,overcome limiting beliefs, reset thinking patterns, transform trauma, feel positive emotions, increase sexual enjoyment, and create a new version of yourself, one that you LOVE.
Are you struggling to end the cycle of thinking that stops you from moving forward and having what you want in love and sex? Do you want to create happy, healthy relationships that are rooted in trust, security, intimacy, and great communication? Do you want a fulfilling sex life? For 20 years I’ve been in private practice and an expert on UK/US TV helping thousands of people just like you have whole-life success and happiness. You too can let go of the past,overcome limiting beliefs, reset thinking patterns, transform trauma, feel positive emotions, increase sexual enjoyment, and create a new version of yourself, one that you LOVE.
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in painful relationship patterns? You may find yourself constantly overthinking, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling disconnected from loved ones, or repeating patterns that leave you feeling hurt and misunderstood. Therapy can help you better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and create meaningful change. I work with individuals and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Together, we will explore the patterns contributing to your distress while building healthier ways to cope.
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in painful relationship patterns? You may find yourself constantly overthinking, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling disconnected from loved ones, or repeating patterns that leave you feeling hurt and misunderstood. Therapy can help you better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and create meaningful change. I work with individuals and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Together, we will explore the patterns contributing to your distress while building healthier ways to cope.
I strive to support specifically teens, couples, and families in navigating addiction as well as exploring identity and neurodivergence.
I strive to support specifically teens, couples, and families in navigating addiction as well as exploring identity and neurodivergence.
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Nearby Arab and Middle Eastern Therapists Searches for Encino
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FAQ - Arab and Middle Eastern Counseling
What can an Arab and Middle Eastern therapist help with?
An Arab and Middle Eastern therapist can support clients with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and major life transitions. However, what may make their approach unique is their ability to integrate an understanding of the cultural, family, and social factors that may be shaping your mental health concerns. If you identify with a Middle Eastern background, such as Arab, North African, Lebanese, Syrian, Iraqi, or Palestinian, working with a therapist who is familiar with values surrounding family loyalty, community expectations, religion, marriage, and caregiving responsibilities can help reduce the need to explain yourself in sessions and better support your healing in the context of your background.
How does cultural background influence the therapy experience?
A therapist who personally identifies as Arab or Middle Eastern may offer a deeper understanding of cultural norms, family dynamics, religious beliefs, migration experiences, and the stigma that may surround mental health in some communities. This shared cultural framework can make it easier to build trust and focus more directly on healing. It is also important to note that a therapist does not have to share your background to provide effective therapy. In some cases, finding a culturally competent therapist may be just as important as finding one who shares your background.
What role can language play in therapy?
Language plays a central role in how people process and express emotions. Even for individuals who are fluent in English, certain feelings, memories, or experiences may be easier to describe in the language they grew up speaking or thinking in, such as Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Kurdish, or Turkish. Clients may feel more comfortable expressing themselves without having to translate their thoughts, which can reduce the risk of losing meaning or nuance. For many Arab and Middle Eastern clients, language is also closely tied to family relationships. Being able to move between English and your native language in therapy can help reflect real-life dynamics, such as communicating with family members in one language and navigating work or school in another. This flexibility to move between languages in sessions can make therapy feel more natural and relevant to daily life.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Arab and Middle Eastern clients?
If cultural background is important to you in therapy, it can be helpful to ask a prospective therapist whether they have experience working with Arab and Middle Eastern clients. In initial conversations with potential therapists, you might ask whether they have worked with concerns related to cultural identity, immigration, family expectations, intergenerational conflict, discrimination, or stigma around mental health. As sessions begin, it can be helpful to notice how the therapist responds to your concerns. A strong therapeutic alliance does not necessarily require a therapist to share your background, but they should respond to your concerns with respect and cultural humility. If you feel dismissed, misunderstood, or find yourself having to explain your background constantly, it may be worth considering another therapist.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Arab and Middle Eastern therapists?
The directory of Arab and Middle Eastern therapists includes professionals who have shared their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profiles, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. When the number of therapists who have personally identified as Arab or Middle Eastern is limited, the directory may also show therapists with experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.