ABOUT ME

Hello and Welcome.

My name is Lara Abounayan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#128379)

I have had extensive experience working with teens, young adults, and career professionals through issues surrounding life transitions (what are life transitions?), anxiety, self esteem, and relationship issues.

I also specialize in work with young adults living with chronic illness. My work with chronic illness has been motivated by my own health concerns. With that said, I understand the struggles of living with a medical condition and my work with clients always keeps the uniqueness of this situation in mind. Check out more here.

My approach is strength based and solution focused. I work from the philosophy that small steps can lead to big changes. I have seen that to be true in my own life as well as through my work with clients. 

MY APPROACH

I try to lean in to my work with honesty, compassion, and bit of humor.  We will create a safe collaborative space where you can be open about your experiences. We will process difficult emotions, challenge not so productive thinking patterns, and work on goals that are important to YOU. Let us work on cultivating a life you are proud to have.

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE

Trained in using Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy and EMDR techniques. I work from a solution focused standpoint but as you are unique, the blend of therapy styles we utilize will be unique as well. I utilize strategies from previous trainings to best help you.

Eye Movement and Desensitization Therapy
Part I and II

Masters of Science in Counseling, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
California State University, Northridge

Bachelor’s in Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles

Bilingual: English + Armenian
Can provide therapy in both languages