"WE ARE ALL MUCH MORE SIMPLY HUMAN THAN OTHERWISE"
- HARRY S. SULLIVAN
A Little Background
While originally from Iran, I've been lucky to call multiple countries home, including South Africa, Switzerland, Botswana, and now America. I was drawn to psychology because of the intricacies of human relationships, the complexities of emotions, and the way we navigate life's challenges.
As I was immersed in different cultures, I observed the diverse ways in which we perceive the world and cope in it. I saw psychology as a means to use my natural empathy to foster understanding, compassion, and healing.
The quote "we are all much more simply human than otherwise" by Sullivan shapes my worldview and ultimately my approach to psychotherapy, where I work to create an inclusive space that honors the vast spectrum of human experiences and simultaneously valuing and acknowledging the inherent humanity residing within each individual.
Education and Training
I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Pretoria, and my honors degree from the University of Cape Town, both in South Africa. I then moved to Chicago, USA, to pursue my doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and got my Masters (MA) along the way.
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Throughout my training I was intentional about gaining clinical experiences in a variety of settings and with a wide range of presenting concerns with the aim of developing and refining a diverse and comprehensive skill set. I have worked in community mental health centers, psychiatric in-patient and outpatient hospitals, college counseling centers, and private practices.
I completed my predoctoral internship at the Trauma Resolution and Integration Program (TRIP), where I specialized in working with survivors of childhood trauma.
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For my postdoctoral fellowship, I gained extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and parents working through ADHD difficulties, behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. I also administered comprehensive neuro-educational evaluations and gifted testing to advocate for school accommodations and treatment planning.
