Welcome! I feel so privileged that you’ve allowed me to step into your life. I understand how difficult it is to be open with a stranger, and my number one goal is to create a space that allows for the natural and comfortable unfolding of your experience. I know that the process of therapy can be challenging. I’m here to provide you with the tools necessary so that you can meet challenges with strength, courage, and a plan.

Working with Me

As a child of first-generation immigrants, I’ve been exposed to the various challenges of acclimating to new environments and finding my place in the world. I understand the impact of endings, like a divorce or death, and the power of beginnings, like a move, a new relationship, or career change. These transitions can be confusing and distressing, requiring you to reflect on your identity and reconfigure the dynamics of your life to meet you where you are now.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”– Rumi

My approach is both relational and in-depth, characterized by warmth, compassion and collaboration. For me, it is truly an honor and a gift to be alongside your journey towards self-discovery and healing. I’m straightforward without being harsh, providing you with the skills and insight needed to heal and establish & maintain healthy relationships.

I believe that deep, lasting change occurs when the underlying root of distress is identified and worked through. I incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thought processes and provide practical tools in overcoming them, and I rely heavily on psychodynamic principals to explore your history. So, together we can understand how your life experiences relate to the current challenges you face.

Clinical Experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Couples and Sex Therapist, and Psychedelic Psychotherapist licensed in California, Utah, and Colorado, which allows me to treat clients across all 3 states. I currently reside and practice in the Bay Area.

I specialize in ketamine and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, relationship and sex therapy, and therapy for creatives.

I’ve had the privilege of completing Advanced Ketamine- Assisted Psychotherapy trainings with Dr. Phil Wolfson, a leader in pioneering the protocol for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and author of The Ketamine Papers. I have the honor of continuing to learn, consult and work directly alongside with Dr. Wolfson as one of the psychotherapists at his clinic in San Anselmo, CA (The Center for Transformational Psychotherapy).

I completed my education at a nationally accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program (CSUN) and clinical training at the NESS Counseling Center, which gave me an opportunity to work with diverse clients from all walks of life. Here, I helped children and families healing from trauma, abuse, addiction, and mood disorders.

I have completed a post-Masters fellowship at UCLA in couples and sex therapy through The American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists (AACAST). Here, I had the privilege of learning from leading experts in the field of couples and sex therapy, where my training integrated the latest neuroscience and psychobiology research into the clinical approach of treating relational, couple and sexual issues. 

In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I also studied music and am a seasoned musician and performer. Through these experiences, I understand the vulnerability, courage, and sacrifice it takes to pursue a creative career. I understand the ups and downs that can cause internal and external instability and how fear and damaging ideas can keep one from reaching their full potential. I help creatives recognize, nurture, and heal their inner artist to integrate soul, spirit, and identity back into the whole person.

As a therapist in Oakland, CA I offer a free phone consultation to answer any of your questions and see if we’re a good fit. To schedule your free session, please email anytime

contact: ana@risingmindtherapy.com

With love,

Anahita