Sadaf Ghasiri, AMFT
What is your philosophy in psychotherapy?
I believe that effective therapy is grounded in the collaborative exploration of a client’s unique context and experiences within a space that feels warm, nonjudgmental, unconditionally accepting, empathetic, and curious. Building a therapeutic relationship that can help foster the change clients hope to actualize is a sensitive, patient process that involves establishing safety, being emotionally attuned, and having respect for the client’s pace. I strive to create an affirming, inclusive, and validating environment that highlights therapy’s transformative, empowering qualities toward understanding the self, embracing authenticity, and reducing suffering.
What approaches do you use to help your clients?
I take a stance of cultural humility that sees you as the expert of your experiences. Understanding the intersection of your various identities and how they impact the ways in which you navigate through life and relationships is also an aspect of my approach. I utilize a combination of Psychodynamic theory that highlights relational and attachment-based elements, along with evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to meet each client where they are uniquely at. Typically, this involves exploring the presence of harmful thoughts, de-stigmatizing and accepting emotions, learning effective coping skills such as mindfulness, building insight by understanding the origins and continued impact of long-held beliefs/narratives, and honoring personal values through action.
What are your areas of expertise and clients you work well with?
I have had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of adolescents, young adults, and adults. My specific areas of strength include providing treatments relating to anxiety disorders, identity development within BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, trauma (including relational, intergenerational, cultural, and financial trauma), shame, fear, self-criticism, perfectionism, and low self-worth. I love working with children of immigrants or immigrants themselves who are navigating the complexities of bicultural experiences, and I also cherish providing affirming care to queer and transgender youth.
What’s your therapeutic style with your clients?
My style as a therapist relies on my warmth, authenticity, honesty, curiosity, humor, and genuine care for my clients. Understanding my clients and their inner world without judgement is my priority, and I do not believe anyone is defined by a disorder or diagnosis. We will make connections together and integrate your not-so-linear growth and healing into your journey.
What languages do you speak?
English.
Past Experience and Education
Sadaf graduated from California Lutheran University with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy and a Specialization in Trauma. Sadaf had the honor of working with diverse clients and presenting concerns including self-harm, anxiety disorders, neurodivergence, gender dysphoria, depressive disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and grief through serving the local community at California Lutheran University’s Community Counseling Services clinic as an MFT Trainee, as well as through serving high school students at one of Conejo Valley Unified School District’s Wellness Centers as a Wellness Counselor.
LICENSE NUMBER AMF #150493
SUPERVISED BY: SHELLEY TIRSBECK, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #85396