Arab and Middle Eastern Therapists in Tarzana, CA
Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over three years of experience supporting adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-oriented—helping clients find clarity, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives. I use evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in understanding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My approach is strengths-based and culturally informed, always tailored to meet each client where they are.
Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over three years of experience supporting adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-oriented—helping clients find clarity, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives. I use evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in understanding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My approach is strengths-based and culturally informed, always tailored to meet each client where they are.
My name is Amir Jahangard Mahboob, and I am a student intern from Pepperdine University at Calmura Counseling and Wellness in Tarzana, CA, under the supervision of Atiya Malik.
I understand that beginning therapy can feel daunting. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can speak openly and feel heard. I work collaboratively with clients to explore life’s challenges, identify strengths, and foster meaningful growth and healing.
My name is Amir Jahangard Mahboob, and I am a student intern from Pepperdine University at Calmura Counseling and Wellness in Tarzana, CA, under the supervision of Atiya Malik.
I understand that beginning therapy can feel daunting. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can speak openly and feel heard. I work collaboratively with clients to explore life’s challenges, identify strengths, and foster meaningful growth and healing.
We all experience anxiety, self-doubt, relationship difficulties, or uncertainty in life. Together, we can explore how relationships, culture, family expectations, and past experiences shape your life today. I draw from my multicultural and multilingual background as we create space for healing, self-trust, and a life that feels more fully your own.
We all experience anxiety, self-doubt, relationship difficulties, or uncertainty in life. Together, we can explore how relationships, culture, family expectations, and past experiences shape your life today. I draw from my multicultural and multilingual background as we create space for healing, self-trust, and a life that feels more fully your own.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles. I specialize in addressing issues like anxiety, depression, social skills, burnout, and work-related stress. My client-centered approach offers tailored support to help you navigate your unique challenges. I specialize in supporting adults who are navigating a range of life stressors, including relationship challenges, career transitions, financial anxiety, and dating and marriage.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles. I specialize in addressing issues like anxiety, depression, social skills, burnout, and work-related stress. My client-centered approach offers tailored support to help you navigate your unique challenges. I specialize in supporting adults who are navigating a range of life stressors, including relationship challenges, career transitions, financial anxiety, and dating and marriage.
I believe we are pieces of a whole and I'm passionate about picking those pieces and connecting them into something more complete. I hope you can feel seen, heard and supported enough to turn your pain into insight, growth and connection. My goal is to help create hope, awareness, light and long lasting change in your lives. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, OCD & childhood trauma. I believe therapy is not about becoming someone different. It's about reconnecting with who you are and creating a life that feels genuinely your own. Together we can create space for healing.
I believe we are pieces of a whole and I'm passionate about picking those pieces and connecting them into something more complete. I hope you can feel seen, heard and supported enough to turn your pain into insight, growth and connection. My goal is to help create hope, awareness, light and long lasting change in your lives. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, OCD & childhood trauma. I believe therapy is not about becoming someone different. It's about reconnecting with who you are and creating a life that feels genuinely your own. Together we can create space for healing.
I believe change starts with you, and that everything you want is within reach once you believe it is.
I'm a Certified Hypnotherapist, IEMT Practitioner, Reiki Master, and NLP Life Coach, and I work with the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind to create new pathways, so we're not just managing symptoms, we're rewiring the thoughts and emotions that have been holding you back.
I believe change starts with you, and that everything you want is within reach once you believe it is.
I'm a Certified Hypnotherapist, IEMT Practitioner, Reiki Master, and NLP Life Coach, and I work with the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind to create new pathways, so we're not just managing symptoms, we're rewiring the thoughts and emotions that have been holding you back.
Tell me if this sounds familiar: you start therapy with all the hopes in the world that this time, you'll finally feel heard and understood...only to find yourself spending more time educating your therapist than actually getting therapy. Or maybe you've always felt like you're a little too weird, too different, or even too much for the therapists you've seen. If that's you, I see you–because I've been there too. I've spent my fair share of time in the client chair, and those experiences have made me particularly passionate about providing the kind of care that I, along with my friends and communities, struggled so hard to find.
Tell me if this sounds familiar: you start therapy with all the hopes in the world that this time, you'll finally feel heard and understood...only to find yourself spending more time educating your therapist than actually getting therapy. Or maybe you've always felt like you're a little too weird, too different, or even too much for the therapists you've seen. If that's you, I see you–because I've been there too. I've spent my fair share of time in the client chair, and those experiences have made me particularly passionate about providing the kind of care that I, along with my friends and communities, struggled so hard to find.
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.
Has life begun to feel heavier than it once did? Maybe you've been holding yourself together for everyone else while quietly feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or emotionally drained. Perhaps you're grieving someone you love, navigating a relationship that's changed, adjusting to a new season of life, or carrying experiences that still affect you more than you'd like. I believe therapy is about more than talking through problems. It's about having the time and space to pause, untangle what's been weighing on you, and gently make sense of experiences that may have felt confusing, painful, or isolating.
Has life begun to feel heavier than it once did? Maybe you've been holding yourself together for everyone else while quietly feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or emotionally drained. Perhaps you're grieving someone you love, navigating a relationship that's changed, adjusting to a new season of life, or carrying experiences that still affect you more than you'd like. I believe therapy is about more than talking through problems. It's about having the time and space to pause, untangle what's been weighing on you, and gently make sense of experiences that may have felt confusing, painful, or isolating.
Piyola Derbarseghian: HOPE Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA,, AMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I love working with young adults navigating anxiety, daily stress, and interpersonal challenges within their relationships. I also specialize in supporting couples who want to deepen connection, rebuild trust, and create a more harmonious, fulfilling partnership. In addition, I am passionate about helping clients explore identity conflicts, intergenerational trauma, and self-esteem concerns—especially those with multicultural or immigrant backgrounds who may feel caught between cultural expectations and personal authenticity.
I love working with young adults navigating anxiety, daily stress, and interpersonal challenges within their relationships. I also specialize in supporting couples who want to deepen connection, rebuild trust, and create a more harmonious, fulfilling partnership. In addition, I am passionate about helping clients explore identity conflicts, intergenerational trauma, and self-esteem concerns—especially those with multicultural or immigrant backgrounds who may feel caught between cultural expectations and personal authenticity.
Trauma is profound; it shapes how we organize our experiences, relate to other people, and respond to life's ebbs & flows. It can also leave us feeling painfully stuck and limited. If you're looking to effect deep change in your life, I welcome you to reach out for a free consultation. Together we can make sense of your story, identify unconscious patterns that no longer suit you, and create room in your mind to live with greater freedom.
Trauma is profound; it shapes how we organize our experiences, relate to other people, and respond to life's ebbs & flows. It can also leave us feeling painfully stuck and limited. If you're looking to effect deep change in your life, I welcome you to reach out for a free consultation. Together we can make sense of your story, identify unconscious patterns that no longer suit you, and create room in your mind to live with greater freedom.
Bellator Psychological and Consultants Corporation
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
Prior to starting my career in the Los Angeles Police Department, I deployed to Operation Desert Storm as an active-duty Marine. After Marine Corps active duty, my career with LAPD provided me with the opportunity to complete a wide variety of assignments including as a gang officer, narcotics officer, patrol, and firearms and tactics instructor. I served for over 25 years and retired as a Detective working Major Crimes Division. My interest in psychology developed during my career in law enforcement when I was first exposed to the Crisis Negotiation Training (CNT) and the Mental Health Intervention Training (MHIT).
Prior to starting my career in the Los Angeles Police Department, I deployed to Operation Desert Storm as an active-duty Marine. After Marine Corps active duty, my career with LAPD provided me with the opportunity to complete a wide variety of assignments including as a gang officer, narcotics officer, patrol, and firearms and tactics instructor. I served for over 25 years and retired as a Detective working Major Crimes Division. My interest in psychology developed during my career in law enforcement when I was first exposed to the Crisis Negotiation Training (CNT) and the Mental Health Intervention Training (MHIT).
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.
I’m a Professor of Culture and Psychoanalysis with over 27 years of clinical experience in helping individuals navigate the complex intersections of meaning, relationships, identity, and life transitions. Loss, abuse, and separation are major root causes of many forms of suffering in life. But they’re not always evident. We may be too young to understand them when they happen. Adults may not feel their impact until long after they happen. They can even travel through generations unnoticed. But even when invisible (especially when invisible!), they warp happiness and complicate relationships until they are identified and dealt with.
I’m a Professor of Culture and Psychoanalysis with over 27 years of clinical experience in helping individuals navigate the complex intersections of meaning, relationships, identity, and life transitions. Loss, abuse, and separation are major root causes of many forms of suffering in life. But they’re not always evident. We may be too young to understand them when they happen. Adults may not feel their impact until long after they happen. They can even travel through generations unnoticed. But even when invisible (especially when invisible!), they warp happiness and complicate relationships until they are identified and dealt with.
Hi, my name is Dr. Melody Lavian, and welcome to my page! As a licensed psychologist who has dedicated my career to working with children, adolescents, and their families, I’m passionate about supporting individuals with developing tools to improve their well-being, as well as helping families reduce stress in the home and strengthen relationships. I use a warm, empathetic, and research-backed approach to help young individuals and their caregivers develop insight into patterns that aren’t working well and build healthy coping and communication skills.
Hi, my name is Dr. Melody Lavian, and welcome to my page! As a licensed psychologist who has dedicated my career to working with children, adolescents, and their families, I’m passionate about supporting individuals with developing tools to improve their well-being, as well as helping families reduce stress in the home and strengthen relationships. I use a warm, empathetic, and research-backed approach to help young individuals and their caregivers develop insight into patterns that aren’t working well and build healthy coping and communication skills.
Worried about your child or a special young kiddo you love? Have they always been active, funny, smart, and talkative but you’re starting to see things change at home or school? Thinking about how they may process new or upcoming changes in the family? Just want to make sure they're okay & maintain their wellbeing? Run out of options & need some new tools? My goal is to inspire & instill hope. My mission is helping children look up & into their future with less worry & fear & more confidence & happiness.
Worried about your child or a special young kiddo you love? Have they always been active, funny, smart, and talkative but you’re starting to see things change at home or school? Thinking about how they may process new or upcoming changes in the family? Just want to make sure they're okay & maintain their wellbeing? Run out of options & need some new tools? My goal is to inspire & instill hope. My mission is helping children look up & into their future with less worry & fear & more confidence & happiness.
When you are standing at crossroads, overwhelmed by life's decisions, or feeling sad, disappointed and hopeless, engaging in a therapeutic relationship can offer a safe and nurturing space to work through the issues that are in your way. Therapy can provide a relief and free you up to reach for your dreams. I work from the perspective of Depth Psychology, searching below the surface, looking to help you understand your unconscious drives and motivations that steer your life in an unwanted direction.
When you are standing at crossroads, overwhelmed by life's decisions, or feeling sad, disappointed and hopeless, engaging in a therapeutic relationship can offer a safe and nurturing space to work through the issues that are in your way. Therapy can provide a relief and free you up to reach for your dreams. I work from the perspective of Depth Psychology, searching below the surface, looking to help you understand your unconscious drives and motivations that steer your life in an unwanted direction.
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.
Are you feeling stuck, burnt out, or overwhelmed in life? In your relationships? In parenting? Whether you are seeking support for yourself or for your child or teen, you want to work with a professional who has the experience, knowledge, and compassion to promote the best parts of you or your child to shine the brightest in this demanding life. You want a psychologist who is well versed in human thought, behavior, and patterns, to individualize interventions to fit your life circumstances. You want to feel understood as you navigate implementing changes towards your goals of increased purpose, fulfillment, and connection.
Are you feeling stuck, burnt out, or overwhelmed in life? In your relationships? In parenting? Whether you are seeking support for yourself or for your child or teen, you want to work with a professional who has the experience, knowledge, and compassion to promote the best parts of you or your child to shine the brightest in this demanding life. You want a psychologist who is well versed in human thought, behavior, and patterns, to individualize interventions to fit your life circumstances. You want to feel understood as you navigate implementing changes towards your goals of increased purpose, fulfillment, and connection.
Do you ever feel like no one quite understands where you're coming from? Like you're caught between two worlds, carrying things that are hard to put into words, or simply longing for a space of understanding? I know what it feels like to navigate the unfamiliar, to search for belonging, and to rebuild when everything around you feels uncertain. I'm here to meet you with compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to recognizing the unique experiences and identities that shape your story. I value collaboration and believe that therapy is a partnership, tailored to fit your specific needs and goals.
Do you ever feel like no one quite understands where you're coming from? Like you're caught between two worlds, carrying things that are hard to put into words, or simply longing for a space of understanding? I know what it feels like to navigate the unfamiliar, to search for belonging, and to rebuild when everything around you feels uncertain. I'm here to meet you with compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to recognizing the unique experiences and identities that shape your story. I value collaboration and believe that therapy is a partnership, tailored to fit your specific needs and goals.
See more therapy options for Tarzana
Nearby Arab and Middle Eastern Therapists Searches for Tarzana
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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.