Arab and Middle Eastern Therapists in Woodland Hills, CA
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.
You appear high-functioning on the outside, but internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from yourself. Maybe you struggle with people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, relationship patterns, trauma, or high-functioning anxiety. You may already be deeply self-aware and insightful — yet still feel stuck repeating the same emotional cycles.
I help adults move beyond survival mode by addressing the deeper patterns, attachment wounds, and nervous system dysregulation underneath their distress.
You appear high-functioning on the outside, but internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from yourself. Maybe you struggle with people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, relationship patterns, trauma, or high-functioning anxiety. You may already be deeply self-aware and insightful — yet still feel stuck repeating the same emotional cycles.
I help adults move beyond survival mode by addressing the deeper patterns, attachment wounds, and nervous system dysregulation underneath their distress.
Sometimes we outgrow the stories we once told ourselves about who we are, what we deserve, or how we’re supposed to be. You might be feeling anxious, stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by life’s demands. Perhaps you’re navigating a major transition, coping with loss or relationship challenges, facing cultural or generational tensions, or trying to make sense of long-standing patterns. My clients often come to therapy seeking relief, clarity, and a deeper sense of connection, with themselves and with others.
Sometimes we outgrow the stories we once told ourselves about who we are, what we deserve, or how we’re supposed to be. You might be feeling anxious, stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by life’s demands. Perhaps you’re navigating a major transition, coping with loss or relationship challenges, facing cultural or generational tensions, or trying to make sense of long-standing patterns. My clients often come to therapy seeking relief, clarity, and a deeper sense of connection, with themselves and with others.
I have dedicated my psychotherapy practice to working specifically with individuals who struggle with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress, along with their relationships to alcohol and drugs.
Addictions or problematic relationships with substances, are both psychological and physiological. They are often the manifestation or response to underlying struggles that the behavior is trying to resolve, even if temporarily.
If you identify with this and have had negative experiences with treatment in the past, or maybe it is your first time seeking help, I am here for you.
I have dedicated my psychotherapy practice to working specifically with individuals who struggle with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress, along with their relationships to alcohol and drugs.
Addictions or problematic relationships with substances, are both psychological and physiological. They are often the manifestation or response to underlying struggles that the behavior is trying to resolve, even if temporarily.
If you identify with this and have had negative experiences with treatment in the past, or maybe it is your first time seeking help, I am here for you.
I work with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. My approach blends practical tools with compassionate insight to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
I work with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. My approach blends practical tools with compassionate insight to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
In network with Aetna, now accepting new clients both in person and telehealth. With extensive experience in supporting individuals navigating a range of mental health challenges, I’m passionate about partnering in the wellness and growth of those seeking help. Providing treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Specialized in working in women’s issues particularly related to confidence and empowerment as well as emotional or mental instability related to postpartum, perimenopause and menopause. Expertise in working with couples during challenging times in their relationships, as well as family therapy.
In network with Aetna, now accepting new clients both in person and telehealth. With extensive experience in supporting individuals navigating a range of mental health challenges, I’m passionate about partnering in the wellness and growth of those seeking help. Providing treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Specialized in working in women’s issues particularly related to confidence and empowerment as well as emotional or mental instability related to postpartum, perimenopause and menopause. Expertise in working with couples during challenging times in their relationships, as well as family therapy.
I am a heart-and-soul-centered therapist passionate about helping clients let go of unhealthy patterns connected to trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions. Do you ever feel stuck in the past or plagued by negative thoughts about the future? Have you ever felt like a prisoner of your own mind? If you’re looking for tools to heal from the past or present, I would be honored to support you. I’m certified in EMDR and incorporate IFS, somatic, and attachment work to release trauma from the mind and body.
I am a heart-and-soul-centered therapist passionate about helping clients let go of unhealthy patterns connected to trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions. Do you ever feel stuck in the past or plagued by negative thoughts about the future? Have you ever felt like a prisoner of your own mind? If you’re looking for tools to heal from the past or present, I would be honored to support you. I’m certified in EMDR and incorporate IFS, somatic, and attachment work to release trauma from the mind and body.
I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist, serving the community for over 45 years. I encourage you to ask me any question you feel you need to ask in order to get a sense of my treatment style and approach.
I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist, serving the community for over 45 years. I encourage you to ask me any question you feel you need to ask in order to get a sense of my treatment style and approach.
Anna Heta is a Psychotherapist with a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology and a Certified Bikram Yoga Teacher She has become known for her multi-modality technique in Evidence-Based Practices. Her approach is empathetic and unique. The application engages each practitioner in coping skills that cater to the mind-body connection. The approached applied is Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Anna Heta is a Psychotherapist with a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology and a Certified Bikram Yoga Teacher She has become known for her multi-modality technique in Evidence-Based Practices. Her approach is empathetic and unique. The application engages each practitioner in coping skills that cater to the mind-body connection. The approached applied is Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Anxiety doesn't only live in your head — it shows up in your stomach, your sleep, your whole nervous system. I work with teens and young adults untangling that mind-body loop, whether it shows up as school stress, social anxiety, or a body that doesn't feel like home. My approach draws on EMDR and nutritional psychology to help you understand how your body holds anxiety and how to calm it. I bring that same lens to women managing endometriosis and chronic pain — because the mind and body are never really separate. I also offer walk-and-talk sessions in Beverly Hills/ Studio City, CA, where nature itself becomes part of the work.
Anxiety doesn't only live in your head — it shows up in your stomach, your sleep, your whole nervous system. I work with teens and young adults untangling that mind-body loop, whether it shows up as school stress, social anxiety, or a body that doesn't feel like home. My approach draws on EMDR and nutritional psychology to help you understand how your body holds anxiety and how to calm it. I bring that same lens to women managing endometriosis and chronic pain — because the mind and body are never really separate. I also offer walk-and-talk sessions in Beverly Hills/ Studio City, CA, where nature itself becomes part of the work.
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.
Relationships can be our greatest source of connection, meaning, and support, but also our deepest pain. I work with couples, families, and individuals navigating conflict, communication struggles, intimacy concerns, life transitions, trust issues, parenting challenges, and feelings of disconnection. I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and relationship structures, including monogamous, non-monogamous, LGBTQ+, and blended families. Together, we’ll explore patterns that keep you stuck, strengthen emotional connection, and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Shoot me an email and we'll setup a consultation.
Relationships can be our greatest source of connection, meaning, and support, but also our deepest pain. I work with couples, families, and individuals navigating conflict, communication struggles, intimacy concerns, life transitions, trust issues, parenting challenges, and feelings of disconnection. I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and relationship structures, including monogamous, non-monogamous, LGBTQ+, and blended families. Together, we’ll explore patterns that keep you stuck, strengthen emotional connection, and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Shoot me an email and we'll setup a consultation.
If you are struggling with persistent self-doubt and self-judgment...if you no longer know your own needs or desires... If you feel a lot of shame and/or guilt ... if you talk down to yourself... if you have a hard time saying no to others... if you struggle with recognizing appropriate vs. inappropriate boundaries... If you have difficulty trusting your judgment or decisions, you are NOT alone. I am here to support you to transform your self-doubt into self-worth.
If you are struggling with persistent self-doubt and self-judgment...if you no longer know your own needs or desires... If you feel a lot of shame and/or guilt ... if you talk down to yourself... if you have a hard time saying no to others... if you struggle with recognizing appropriate vs. inappropriate boundaries... If you have difficulty trusting your judgment or decisions, you are NOT alone. I am here to support you to transform your self-doubt into self-worth.
We live in a divided world and it can feel painful and isolating. Parts of our lives and even ourselves may feel fractured, disconnected, silenced. Research shows that self-censorship is at an all-time high, which is not surprising as we try to navigate these uncharted waters of division and polarization. Many are struggling to make sense of this new reality and find a way to cope, retain a sense of self, decide how to manage their relationships, and how to move forward in a way that agrees with their sense of right and wrong.
We live in a divided world and it can feel painful and isolating. Parts of our lives and even ourselves may feel fractured, disconnected, silenced. Research shows that self-censorship is at an all-time high, which is not surprising as we try to navigate these uncharted waters of division and polarization. Many are struggling to make sense of this new reality and find a way to cope, retain a sense of self, decide how to manage their relationships, and how to move forward in a way that agrees with their sense of right and wrong.
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.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your relationship with food, trapped in a cycle of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating? Do anxiety, depression, or trauma amplify your struggle? It would help if you had accessible, personalized treatment that addresses both your mental and nutritional needs. If you want to heal your relationship with food and body image, build emotional strength, and recover on your terms, we can help. Our program offers the guidance of highly experienced ED and trauma therapists, the benefits of EMDR therapy, in-home ED coaching, flexible virtual care, and a compassionate, supportive community of recovered staff.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your relationship with food, trapped in a cycle of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating? Do anxiety, depression, or trauma amplify your struggle? It would help if you had accessible, personalized treatment that addresses both your mental and nutritional needs. If you want to heal your relationship with food and body image, build emotional strength, and recover on your terms, we can help. Our program offers the guidance of highly experienced ED and trauma therapists, the benefits of EMDR therapy, in-home ED coaching, flexible virtual care, and a compassionate, supportive community of recovered staff.
With a rich background spanning various mental health settings, I understand the diverse needs of individuals seeking support and growth. I have honed my skills in providing assistance to clients yearning for change, relief from distress, and overall enhancement of well-being. I work with diverse clientele and my expertise lies in aiding individuals facing adjustment difficulties stemming from significant life changes and stressors. These may include grief, changes in health, disabilities, relationship, parenthood, occupational and educational challenges. I have extensive experience in working with ADHD, anxiety and depression.
With a rich background spanning various mental health settings, I understand the diverse needs of individuals seeking support and growth. I have honed my skills in providing assistance to clients yearning for change, relief from distress, and overall enhancement of well-being. I work with diverse clientele and my expertise lies in aiding individuals facing adjustment difficulties stemming from significant life changes and stressors. These may include grief, changes in health, disabilities, relationship, parenthood, occupational and educational challenges. I have extensive experience in working with ADHD, anxiety and depression.
Life can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I support clients facing anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and challenging experiences. I strive to create a warm, compassionate space where you can feel seen, heard, and understood while exploring the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be keeping you stuck. I believe our relationships, experiences, and cultural backgrounds shape how we see ourselves and the world. With a multicultural background of my own, I approach each person’s story with curiosity, respect, and compassion, supporting healing, growth, and meaningful change.
Life can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I support clients facing anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and challenging experiences. I strive to create a warm, compassionate space where you can feel seen, heard, and understood while exploring the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be keeping you stuck. I believe our relationships, experiences, and cultural backgrounds shape how we see ourselves and the world. With a multicultural background of my own, I approach each person’s story with curiosity, respect, and compassion, supporting healing, growth, and meaningful change.
You may be successful, capable, and used to handling a lot, yet find yourself overthinking everything, feeling anxious or overwhelmed, struggling in your relationships, or wondering why you don't feel as good as your life looks. Maybe you're dealing with ADHD, perfectionism, burnout, unresolved experiences from the past, changes in your body or identity, or simply a persistent sense that something isn't right. You don't have to be falling apart for therapy to be worthwhile.
You may be successful, capable, and used to handling a lot, yet find yourself overthinking everything, feeling anxious or overwhelmed, struggling in your relationships, or wondering why you don't feel as good as your life looks. Maybe you're dealing with ADHD, perfectionism, burnout, unresolved experiences from the past, changes in your body or identity, or simply a persistent sense that something isn't right. You don't have to be falling apart for therapy to be worthwhile.
Hi there, I’m Michael! a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of clinical psychotherapy experience and more than 20 years in the behavioral and mental health field. I provide evidence-based, compassionate care for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, ASD, and relationship issues. I also support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As an immigrant, I understand the challenges of cultural transition and offer therapy in English, Kurdish, and Farsi. My approach is collaborative, culturally sensitive, and focused on personalized growth and healing.
Hi there, I’m Michael! a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of clinical psychotherapy experience and more than 20 years in the behavioral and mental health field. I provide evidence-based, compassionate care for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, ASD, and relationship issues. I also support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As an immigrant, I understand the challenges of cultural transition and offer therapy in English, Kurdish, and Farsi. My approach is collaborative, culturally sensitive, and focused on personalized growth and healing.
See more therapy options for Woodland Hills
Nearby Arab and Middle Eastern Therapists Searches for Woodland Hills
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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.