Welcome! My name is Fariah (fur-ree-ah) and I am a multi-ethnic mixed Asian American psychotherapist. I serve teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and identity issues surrounding being Asian American, multicultural, or a child of immigrants. I am here to help with navigating life transitions, healing from trauma, and providing guidance on the path of self-discovery.

Seeking therapy can be a vulnerable experience. As your therapist, I aim to create a safe and judgment-free space where you feel heard, valued, and understood. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is a crucial part of our work together. My style is warm, gentle, empathetic, and incorporates humor to create a relaxed and comfortable environment. I believe that humor and laughter ease healing, break down barriers, and foster connections.

Therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we’ll explore and build off of your strengths, uncover new perspectives, and identify actionable steps towards achieving your goals. I strive to tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs and preferences. My hope is to empower individuals like yourself to feel a sense of autonomy and hopefulness in their lives. 

Therapy for Asian & South Asian American Experience

In many Asian households, there is a lack of prioritization and understanding of mental health due to the stigma of mental illness being associated with shame. Our upbringing may have inadvertently taught us that our mental health concerns are private, leading us to carry these burdens alone. Seeking support and asking for help is not a weakness, but a testament to your resilience and ability to want more or different for yourself. Your experience is valid and deserves attention and care. Therapy is a space to not only overcome obstacles, but also learn healthy ways to communicate and express emotions that may not have been available to you growing up.

You are not alone.

Therapy for Challenges with Mixed Asian, Multicultural Identity, and Cultural / Religious Expectations

Children of immigrants and those holding multiple identities often face a unique set of challenges. You may be put in a position of negotiating integrating multiple identities that contain very contrasting norms and values. Often, there is this experience of pressure to connect with the values and traditions of both cultures that may lead to questioning whether you belong in either. This dilemma of balancing adapting to societal expectations with loyalty to your heritage can foster senses of guilt and inadequacy. 

As a child of Korean and Pakistani immigrant parents who was raised in an interfaith household, I am familiar with the complexities of living in multiple worlds. Whether you are experiencing feelings of being disconnected from your roots or struggling with holding respect for the expectations of the community and family versus wanting your own personal freedom, I would be honored to support you on your journey. I am not here to make assumptions about your experiences, but rather meet you where you are at and honor your unique story.

You are enough.

Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma

Anxiety, depression, and trauma reactions can greatly impede our ability to function in the fast-paced world we operate in. Oftentimes these problems can be present simultaneously, influencing one another and furthering distress levels. While anxiety in moderation can be helpful, things like constant worrying, the inability to relax or focus, and indecisiveness can be a sign your mind is in overdrive. Prolonged periods of feeling down, losing interest in your hobbies, and lack of energy can really get in the way of enjoying life and reaching your goals. Sometimes, we may not even recognize the impact past experiences may have on our ability to communicate, form healthy relationships, and handle life’s many challenges. You might be feeling held back and not like yourself. 

In therapy, we can work towards unpacking the root of our problems while also practicing coping strategies to make our day-to-day more manageable. This can look like exploring relaxation techniques that work for you, recognizing and correcting unhelpful patterns, and diving into core beliefs while challenging ones that may not be serving us. Together we will process and reprocess traumatic events and build tools in emotional regulation. We will learn to sit with and deeply understand our feelings while gaining a sense of control over our reactions. Progress and healing is not linear, but instead contains ebbs and flows. Through therapy, we can gain skills to manage those low points more effectively.

Therapy for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

Emotionally immature parents may rely on their children for emotional support, reversing the typical parent-child roles. Children in these household are often expected to suppress their emotions to avoid burdening their parents, leading to deep-seated loneliness and isolation. This environment makes healthy communication difficult, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

If you recognize these patterns or have been working through these issues, I am here to support you. Together, we can explore the impact of growing up with emotionally immature parents. Our focus will be on building skills to set healthy boundaries, processing cultural, familial, or religious expectations, and discovering your authentic self.

By increasing your awareness and understanding of these impacts, we can help you reclaim your sense of self-worth and develop a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Therapy for Life Transitions

Change can be difficult to maneuver… and life is dynamic and ever changing. Adjusting to the impact of life transitions such as moving, graduating, changing careers, ending a relationship, or even losing a loved one can lead to feelings of anxiety, discomfort, fear, and self-doubt. We may feel a loss of direction and confusion in our identity while adapting to new roles.

 If you are facing a life change and seeking support to navigate this transition, I am here to help. While daunting, transitions can be an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. When you are ready, we can process the impact of these changes, obtain new insight, and set the stage for a more fulfilling future.

I’m here to help lighten the load.

Therapy with me

My therapeutic approach comes from a humanistic, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and trauma-informed lens; I believe every individual inherently possesses the ability to reach their full potential through accessing their unique strengths, values, and identity. In treatment, we will examine your whole person in addition to external and generational influences rather than focusing solely on your symptoms or problems. Through the use of mindfulness and the presence of a nurturing environment, we will work to enhance your self-awareness, improve self-esteem, and facilitate personal growth so that you feel able to live fully and authentically. As a therapist, I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is fundamental to the success of therapy. Finding a good fit is not just about credentials or expertise; it’s about establishing a trusting and supportive partnership where you feel seen, respected, and comfortable being yourself- this is a journey we take together. I always welcome feedback and encourage my clients to share any concerns, questions, or suggestions openly. 

My Past Experience

Through my years working in community mental health, I provided intensive counseling to teens, parents, and families experiencing mood disorders, trauma, substance use, and behavioral concerns. Through this role I have had the privilege of supporting clients in building skills in emotional regulation, communication, healthy coping, self-awareness, and in achieving a sense of autonomy to successfully transition out of services.

Let’s embark on this journey of healing, growth, and self-compassion today.

Registered California Board of Behavioral Sciences Number: LMFT 145876

Registered Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists: T2765