About Lumina Counseling

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world…” – Henri Nouwen

** Fluent in Armenian **

Services

Individual
Family
Child
Adolescent/Teen
Group

About My Clients

I have worked with adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety and/or ADHD. I have worked with people transitioning to a new stage of life (e.g., moving towards retirement, deciding to make a long term commitment in a relationship, etc.). Listening with care and non-judgment, I try to support clients in finding their own solutions and way forward. It absolutely has helped that I have been on “the other end of the couch” for many years sorting through my own emotions. Hopefully, as a result, I am more empathic as a therapist today and my clients will feel heard and respected.

My Background & Approach

I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years now. My focus is on helping client hear themselves and make decisions that are best for them. If I were just a source of advice, then therapy would not be much different than friendship. Hopefully through questions and wonderings, the client and I can consider their options and make the choices that are deemed best at that moment in time.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests

Some of us seek therapy because we feel stuck or lost. Others of us struggle with constant worry which inhibits the ability to fully enjoy life. Some of us have attentional difficulties and may struggle with procrastination. Others are having relationship struggles with partners, siblings, parents, children, etc. Therapy offers hope and a place to look more deeply into that which ails you.

Techniques I Use

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy

Issues I Treat

Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Relationship Challenges, Life Transitions

Location

Van Nuys
15339 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Telehealth

Licensed Developmental Psychologist

I am an open, affirming therapist at Lumina Counseling, who meets my clients where they are at and moves at the pace they are able to. As a specialist in neurodivergence, I want to empower each of you to be your best you, while remaining authentic.

Services
Individual
Family
Child
Adolescent/Teen
Group

About My Clients
I have been working in the field of autism spectrum disorders since the late 1980’s. I have worked with the full expression of the spectrum and hold as a core belief that my job is not to make you “not autistic”, but to help you gain the insight/skills/coping techniques you seek. I have been a leader in the field of psychotherapy for autistic children, teens and young adults and parents, providing trainings all over the world to clinicians and educators alike. I focus on anxiety, sensory overload, executive functioning, life/job skills, social thinking, friendships/relationships and rigid thinking. I also have decades of experience running social skills groups for all ages. My recent passion is the intersection of autism with LGBTQIA+ identity.

My Background & Approach
I have provided support to autistic children, teens and young adults in individual, group and milieu settings. With my extensive background in CBT, I tend to focus on making abstract concepts visual and concrete for my clients. I always approach therapy from the standpoint that I am there to help my clients with what they feel they need help with, rather than imposing goals or strategies upon them. While psychotherapy can be hard and challenging at times, my role is to guide and support, without being directive. Afterall, it is the client who needs to do the work outside of the therapy room, so they have to feel comfortable and motivated to do so.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests
Autistic people often feel they must conform to “neurotypical (NT)” expectations and this can lead to “masking of their authentic self. As one puts themselves out there more, the mask may become heavier and heavier until it is overwhelming to try to relate and/or interact with the NT world. These feelings of over-whelmedness can then lead to an increase in anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, malaise, behavioral outbursts, lack of self-confidence, self-harm and decreased motivation. Autistic children may be asking why they don’t have friends or why they feel so different than their peers. My therapeutic approach is to help my clients take off the mask, to accept who they are and to work to gain coping strategies for those areas that will best serve them (such as anxiety reduction). Learning and feeling empowered to express your thoughts, feelings and needs in a safe, nurturing and affirming setting is often the first step to removing layers of that mask. I believe everyone can get to that place of self-acceptance, self-love and self-care.

Techniques I Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy

Issues I Treat
Autism, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+ Issues

Location:
Sherman Oaks Campus
13130 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Telehealth

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#110418) and Registered Addiction Specialist

I believe the relationship you have with yourself is one of the most important relationships in your life! I am here to help you reach your goals and to sculpt the life you want for yourself. I offer a safe space for you to be your authentic self without any judgments.

Services
Individual
Family
Child
Adolescent/Teen
Group

About My Clients
I enjoy working with teens and adults with a variety of needs. My experience is in trauma (domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse), mood disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.), and ADHD. I think art has a place in therapy too. I am trained in several art based therapeutic interventions and enjoy incorporating this in group and individual sessions whenever possible.

My Background & Approach
I have an M.A in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health Systems, Advocacy and Inclusion, as well as an M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have provided support to many different types of clients in many different settings – from domestic violence emergency shelters and youth preparing to transition to adulthood to a forensic population. There aren’t really any types of clients that I haven’t worked with. What I have discovered working with so many different kinds of people is that there are some universal needs that all people have. We all want to feel safe, find meaning in our lives, and be the best version of ourselves regardless of where we come from or who we are. I want to help you with that journey and will be there to support your growth and change.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests
The reasons someone seeks therapy are unique to each of us as individual. I don’t believe in cookie cutter solutions. I want to help the unique you heal from those things that are ready to be healed. Sometimes looking at those parts of ourselves that need to be healed is really scary. I am here to sit with you during those scary times and together we will work towards the goals that you want to achieve.

Techniques I Use
Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Art, MBCT (Mind Body Cognitive Therapy), Music/Movement Therapy

Issues I Treat
Trauma/PTSD, Mood Disorders, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ Related Issues, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders

Location:
Sherman Oaks Campus
13130 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Telehealth

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Services
Individual
Family
Child
Adolescent/Teen
Group

About My Clients
I am the clinical director of the Advance LA program and particularly enjoy working with young adults and their families who are “stuck” in developmentally difficult times of their life. I have also done significant work with folks who are in recovery. I have always had an interest in understanding the roots of problems, internal conflicts, and how to help my clients move on to a successful life by learning how to cope with those issues. A significant portion of my work has been in supervising and overseeing the work of other psychologists. In addition to doing individual supervision, I oversee the training of our intern program, including how to do supervision.

My Background & Approach
I best provide support for young adults, including young adults who are on the spectrum. I also provide parent coaching for those young adults. In this I teach parents how to better assist their young adults in becoming more resilient when facing challenges.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests
There is a multitude of reasons that people seek therapy. Some folks are dealing with depression, anxiety, conflicts with their family, or perhaps they are learning to cope with the aftermath of covid. Other people may want help with day to day struggles such as quitting smoking, or help with executive functioning issues (organizing, time management, scheduling). I have a great deal of experience in working with clients and in supervising and overseeing the work of other psychologists. My approach while based in theory, is pragmatic and results oriented.

Techniques I Use
Psychodynamics Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Issues I Treat
Depression (chronic & acute) Anxiety Couples

Location
Telehealth

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Services
Individual
Couple
Family
Child
Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients
I have worked with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating their path towards personal growth, aiming to enrich their relationships and navigate through life’s hurdles. My approach is tailored to each individual, fostering a nurturing environment for exploration and transformation. I place a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with a particular focus on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, endeavoring to empower every individual to connect deeply and thrive in their lives.

My Background & Approach
After earning my MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, where I specialized in community psychology, I pursued additional training at the Southern California Counseling Center. My professional dedication lies in passionately supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and foster and adoptive families. Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. I approach therapy from a strength-based perspective, customizing each session to fit the unique journey of every individual. Drawing from a diverse toolkit that includes techniques from Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and other modalities. I strive to create a holistic approach to healing and growth. With a unique blend of resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to empowerment, I strive to facilitate meaningful growth and healing in those I serve.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests
I believe in the transformative power of empathy and understanding, both within therapy and in our wider communities. My interests in social justice, mental health advocacy, and the arts deeply inform my practice, guiding my approach to therapy as a collaborative, creative, and culturally sensitive process aimed at fostering resilience and empowerment in my clients.

Techniques I Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Attachment, Community Resiliency Model

Issues I Treat
Depression, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+ Related Issues, Life Transitions, Parenting

Services
Individual
Family
Child
Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients
I have worked with adults, adolescents, and children struggling with depression, anxiety and/or PTSD.

My Background & Approach
After completing the master’s program School Based Family Counseling I started in the mental health field in the beginning of 2020. I challenge clients where needed and supporting them where they are and always creating a safe space for them. I approach each individual’s situation from what is happening today to what brought you in to therapy. I practice listening empathetically without judgement.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests
We have to use what we have to get us to where we need to go; in order to get “unstuck” and build the life we want for ourselves. This includes identifying strengths as well as areas of improvement and build from there.

Techniques I Use
Psychodynamics Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Issues I Treat
Depression (chronic & acute) Anxiety

Location
15339 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Telehealth

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

About My Clients
I enjoy helping kids, teens, and adults experiencing ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, stress and trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and interpersonal issues such as identity, relationship and communication challenges. I welcome all families and friends learning how to support their loved ones in life transitions and in navigating the coming out process.

My Background & Approach
I began my studies at the University of South Carolina in 2015 majoring in experimental psychology and biology and went on to obtain my master’s degree from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis in June of 2023. Additionally, I have a Psychological First Aid (PFA) Certificate and will be completing EMDR training by November 2024.

Since there is no one-size-fits all approach to therapy; our work together will be uniquely tailored to your goals and experiences. As a trauma informed therapist, I take a broad and integrative approach incorporating traditional psychotherapeutic modalities along with mindfulness-based practices, and somatic body-based work. It is my priority and privilege to ensure a protected environment where true, authentic work can be done with a peace of mind and abundance of support.

My Beliefs & Interests
I am a strong believer in the mind-body connection and helping clients heal using their innate strengths and somatic experiences. My role with clients emphasizes being a caring collaborator, teammate, advocate and ally for all. I believe that you are the true expert of your life and must be active in the therapy process to facilitate the self-growth and development that are natural by-products of honest, integrative therapeutic work.

Techniques I Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EDMR, Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Issues I Treat
LGBTQIA+ Related Issues, Trauma/PTSD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mood Disorders

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #146912

Services
Individual
Couple
Adult

About My Clients
My clients are adult individuals and couples of diverse backgrounds, sexual orientations and identities, ages, and life experiences. They seek to improve some aspects of their emotional lives. I offer an inclusive, warm, safe and collaborative environment in which to work together to help turn challenging experiences into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

My Background & Approach
I come to Lumina Counseling with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, and with additional training at Counseling West. I bring an empathic, nonjudgmental, eclectic approach, recognizing that each client’s situation is unique. My therapy is informed primarily by psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and existential theories. I believe strongly in strengthening the therapeutic alliance with collaboration between client and therapist and find the process deeply rewarding.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests
My professional and personal endeavors have been guided by a belief in the goal of repairing the world and fostering healing, growth and resilience. I have come to recognize the importance of starting with ourselves, seeking and creating deeper meaning and fulfillment.

Techniques I Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Existential

Issues I Treat
Depression, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+ Related Issues, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues

Location
Sherman Oaks Campus
13130 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Telehealth

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

My Background & Approach
I’m Maryam Sareminia, a compassionate and dedicated Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a year and half of experience in providing therapeutic support and guidance to individuals, couples, families and teenagers navigating life’s challenges. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with empathy and understanding, creating a safe space where healing and growth can flourish.

I have worked with clients with anxiety disorders, trauma recovery, depression management, relationship issues, etc. My therapeutic style is collaborative and client-centered, tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual I work with.

I believe in the power of a trusting therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change. Whether you’re seeking support for personal growth, coping with a major life transition, or managing a mental health condition, I am here to listen without judgment and help you explore new perspectives and strategies.

I hold a Master of Science in Counseling Marriage, Family and Child Therapy from University of Phoenix and I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Let’s work together to unlock your potential and achieve your personal goals.

Location
Sherman Oaks Campus
13130 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Telehealth

About my Clients

I am passionate about working with a diverse set of clients and have worked with children, adolescents, and adults throughout my time as a psychotherapist. My work focuses on working collaboratively with my clients to create goals and address any difficulties being experienced in order to improve daily functioning and decrease challenges contributing to current symptoms.

My Background & Approach

I completed my M.A. in Clinical Psychology and I am currently a Doctoral Intern focusing on therapy with children, adolescents, and adults. I am a dedicated clinician with a profound passion for working with my clients to address a wide range of clinical needs and daily challenges, including those related to learning disabilities and developmental delays. I am committed to inclusive care for my clients and highly value the ability to grow and learn in a diverse clinical setting, specifically focusing on neurodiversity and working within the community. I look forward to continuing this work at The Help Group.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests

Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and guidance, leading to the manifestation of challenging symptoms. I work hard to create a safe space and environment for my clients to explore their feelings, and prioritize the comfort and safety of my clients at all times. I use a nonjudgemental and collaborative approach with my clients in order to facilitate change and positive outcomes.

Techniques I Use

Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Issues I Treat

Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Trauma, & Identity Issues

Locations:
Sherman Oaks
13130 Burbank Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Van Nuys
15339 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Telehealth

About My Clients

My target population is toddlers, young children, teenagers, and young adults on the Autism Spectrum, as well as the intersection of ASD and Queer/Trans identities. I have worked with children and young adults with frequently co-occurring diagnoses of ASD, including anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I also enjoy providing treatment to the 0-5 age group, with a focus on decreasing disruptive behaviors and strengthening the caregiver-child relationship. Additionally, I have experience working with adults diagnosed with a variety of severe mental health disorders (e.g., mood, psychotic spectrum, and personality disorders) and co-occurring substance use disorders.

My Background & Approach

I completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, under Alliant International University in Los Angeles. My dissertation, “The Development and Validation of the Identity Instability Scale,” focused on redefining Borderline Personality Disorder as an issue of identity and selfhood. I function primarily as a relational therapist, one who acknowledges that it is within the living and breathing dynamic that forms between two people who choose to be vulnerable that genuine change can be made. I view my clients as multifaceted individuals with various complexities and diverse experiences that make them who they are. I hope to provide a safe space to explore the ways in which formative relationships in early childhood and lived moments impact current patterns of behavior and thought processes. I strive to support clients in their process of fostering a cohesive and durable sense of self.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests

Therapy should be a space in which you can feel comfortable to reveal the most vulnerable parts of who you are. Sharing about challenges and opening up about moments of struggle can be particularly difficult for those who have not had the opportunity to do so. I hope to create the space in which it is safe to process past experiences and reflect on the ways in which symptoms can impact functioning, without shame or stigma. I aspire to assist my clients in developing a sense of agency and holding themselves accountable for future change. I aim to be a helpful combination of supportive and challenging, with the ultimate goal being the development of a self-sustaining person able to regulate and be flexible to life’s everchanging situations.

Techniques I Use
Psychodynamic, Relational, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy

Issues I Treat
Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, Substance Use, LGBTQIA+ Issues

Locations:
Sherman Oaks
13130 Burbank Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Van Nuys
15339 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Telehealth

My Professional Values

I am passionate about creating a safe space for children, adolescents, and their families where together we can navigate the inevitable stressors and challenges that arise throughout one’s lived experience. Additionally, I value helping families to connect in meaningful ways that foster developmental and relational growth for the entire family unit.

About My Clients

I have primarily worked with children and adolescents across several settings including community mental health centers, school campuses, and within an outpatient hospital setting. Many of my clients are neurodiverse and I have several years of experience working with autistic youth and their families. In my work with clients, I prioritize providing individualized care, rooted in evidenced-based interventions, that utilize my clients’ diverse sets of strengths to help promote learning, growth, and healing.

My Background & Approach

I completed my B.S. in Clinical Psychology at UC San Diego. Then, I went on to pursue graduate education at the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium where I completed my M.S. in Clinical Psychology. I am currently in my final year of my PsyD doctoral program in the Consortium. I have a background in behavioral therapy and worked as a registered behavior technician (RBT) in both San Diego and San Francisco Bay Area counties for several years. My therapeutic approach is informed by my training in a variety of evidenced based treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, attachment focused family therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Thus, my treatment planning and case conceptualization utilize an integrated approach that is primarily informed by CBT.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests

I truly believe that everyone has unique, important strengths that are crucial to their continued development and long-term success. I value being part of the team that helps each individual identify these strengths and develop a plan for how to utilize these strengths to address issues or challenges that they are currently facing. In combination with this strengths-based approach, I use a collaborative and compassionate approach to ensure that my clients feel accepted for who they are and every part of their identity that they are willing to share with me in the therapeutic space.

Techniques I Use

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Attachment-Focused Family Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Play Therapy

Clinical Experience

Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Child & Family Mental Health

Locations:
Sherman Oaks
13130 Burbank Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Van Nuys
15339 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Telehealth

About My Clients
I have primarily worked with children, adolescents and young adults in community mental health centers and within an outpatient hospital setting. I enjoy working with diverse clients with a variety of mental health needs.

My Background & Approach
I completed my B.S. in Psychology at California Lutheran University. Where I went on to complete my M.S. in Clinical Psychology. I am currently a doctoral intern in my final year of my PsyD in Clinical Psychology. My approach to therapy is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills, attachment theories, and psychodynamic techniques. My goal in therapy is to create a collaborative, authentic, and safe space that is focused on my client’s strengths and comfort level. As a therapist I strongly believe in meeting clients where they are at.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests
I strive to provide compassionate trauma-informed care in which my clients can feel heard, valued, and empowered to heal and grow at their own pace. I deeply value helping clients build meaningful connections that promote safety and security in their relationship with themselves and others. By doing so, I hope to foster a sense of collaboration and acceptance by working as a team to help my clients reach their goals.

Techniques I Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Play Therapy

Issues I Treat
Trauma/PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Family Issues, Life Transitions, Child & Adolescent Mental Health

Locations:
Sherman Oaks
13130 Burbank Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Van Nuys
15339 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Telehealth

About My Clients
I have primarily worked with adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds, and I have worked with children in group therapy settings. My clinical experience has been in community mental health centers, forensic facilities, and OP hospital settings. My work with adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds builds upon my belief of destigmatizing mental health and advocating for the right of everyone in receiving mental health services.

My Background & Approach
I completed my B.A. in Psychology at California State University, Northridge. I went on to earn my PsyD at Alliant International University with a focus on Health Psychology, where I also got my M.A. in Clinical Psychology. I am currently a pre-doctoral psychology intern in my final year for my PsyD degree. My therapy approach integrates Humanistic Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy and psychodynamic techniques. Collaboration is a key value that defines my work with my clients, recognizing that while I bring my areas of expertise, you are still the expert on your life. I strongly believe in the therapeutic value of building connections with my clients, so our sessions will be a safe space where genuine conversations happen to foster your growth and support you in your self-exploration journey.

My Personal Beliefs & Interests
We are all humans with different vulnerabilities, and I believe that therapy is a space where our vulnerabilities can be transformed into strengths. My goal is to help you explore your strengths to foster your personal growth and improve the quality of your life and relationships. I provide a judgment-free space where we collaboratively work at your pace towards reaching your individualized goals. I strive to provide client-centered care to tailor treatment to every client’s unique therapy needs to support clients in navigating life’s challenges. I show up authentically and meet my clients wherever they are on their journey.

Techniques I Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy

Issues I Treat
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Behavioral Problems, Substance Use issues, and interpersonal conflicts

Locations:
Sherman Oaks
13130 Burbank Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Van Nuys
15339 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Telehealth