Member Highlight — Sipan Nazaryan, Prelicensed Associate

Anaymee Cifuentes, AMFT

Anaymee Cifuentes' journey into the realm of psychotherapy is a testament to her enduring passion for working with children, a journey that began with her role as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist. Her initial experiences in ABA ignited a deep-seated interest in special needs education. This shift allowed Anaymee to foster intimate, one-on-one connections with children, enriching her understanding of their unique worlds. Her pursuit of a certification in educational therapy was driven by a desire to enhance the educational experience of her students. However, Anaymee soon realized that educational achievement is inextricably linked to a child's emotional and psychological well-being, particularly in areas such as anxiety and emotional regulation. This epiphany played a pivotal role in shaping her therapeutic approach. Completing her academic journey with a graduation from Phillips Graduate Institute in August of this year, Anaymee has woven her diverse experiences into a rich tapestry of professional expertise.

In terms of specialization, Anaymee has a focused commitment to children, particularly those with special needs, autism, and ADHD. This choice stems from her foundational ABA experiences, where she cultivated patience and an acute understanding of behavioral nuances in children with these conditions. This philosophy not only shapes her therapeutic methods but also highlights her dedication to holistic child development. In her therapeutic practice, Anaymee Cifuentes adopts a versatile and client-centered approach, particularly when working with children. She leans towards narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy, demonstrating a flexible methodology that caters to the unique needs of each child. Anaymee's technique involves 'cherry-picking' elements from these different modalities, ensuring that her therapeutic interventions are tailor-made to suit the individual requirements of her clients.

One of the significant challenges Anaymee has encountered in her career is earning the trust and confidence of the parents of the children she works with. She acknowledges that successful therapy with children necessitates a collaborative relationship with their parents, requiring her to 'court' them to some extent. Building this trust is crucial for creating a cohesive team approach to the child's therapy. Anaymee understands that the parents' buy-in and involvement are essential for the therapeutic process to be effective and for any progress to be sustainable. This challenge has honed her skills in communication and collaboration, enabling her to work effectively with both the child and their family as a unified entity. Anaymee’s approach to overcoming this hurdle highlights her dedication to not just the child’s well-being, but also to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for the entire family unit.

Anaymee offers advice to those aspiring to enter the field of psychotherapy or considering a specialization within it. She emphasizes the importance of personal therapy as a preliminary step. According to Anaymee, engaging in therapy oneself is crucial for understanding personal triggers and emotional landscapes. This self- awareness and self-care are vital in preparing future therapists to effectively and empathetically care for others. Her counsel underscores the belief that a therapist's ability to support others is greatly enhanced by their own journey of self-discovery and healing.

Regarding her involvement with the San Fernando Valley CAMFT, Anaymee's journey began in September 2022 as a student member. She contributes actively as a volunteer photographer, capturing moments during meetings. This role, while creatively fulfilling, also provides her with the opportunity to engage more deeply with the community. Anaymee's enthusiasm for the workshops offered by SFV CAMFT is evident; she values these learning opportunities for their insights into new modalities and interventions in psychotherapy. Her involvement in the organization is not just a professional commitment but also a personal passion, enriching her understanding and practice of psychotherapy.

Anaymee also highlights the significance of professional networking and involvement in organizations like SFV CAMFT for professional growth. In the field of psychotherapy, where specializations are diverse and specific, she believes networking is crucial. It allows therapists to refer clients to more specialized care when necessary, ensuring that clients receive the best possible support. This perspective reflects Anaymee's commitment to the broader well-being of clients, beyond the confines of her own specialization. Her involvement in SFV CAMFT and her emphasis on networking and continuous learning are indicative of her dedication to both personal and professional development in the dynamic field of psychotherapy.

Anaymee Cifuentes often confronts and addresses common misconceptions about therapy in her practice, particularly those held by parents of her young clients. A prevalent misconception she encounters is the expectation from parents that therapy alone can 'fix' their child's behavioral issues. Anaymee emphasizes the importance of teamwork and consistency in addressing these concerns. She clarifies to parents that, given she only sees the child for an hour each week, the effectiveness of therapy significantly depends on the parents' involvement and the establishment of a cohesive system at home. The commitment and effort from the parents directly influence the duration and success of the therapeutic process. This approach underscores the necessity of a collaborative and holistic approach to therapy, involving both the therapist and the family.

In terms of her unique perspectives in therapy, Anaymee incorporates video games into her sessions, a method that might not align with the views of many therapists. Acknowledging the increased reliance on video games among children, especially post-pandemic, she uses them therapeutically. Anaymee aims to gradually wean children off excessive gaming, employing a behavior chart system rooted in her ABA background to motivate children through household responsibilities. Her approach is not to eliminate video games entirely but to promote responsible usage, sometimes even encouraging parents to participate in gaming with their children to strengthen their bond. Another belief that sets Anaymee apart is her emphasis on being childlike, silly, and unafraid to get dirty in her interactions with children. She finds that this approach significantly enhances rapport-building with her young clients. However, she also maintains a balance by adopting a more adult demeanor when interacting with parents. This dual approach highlights her flexibility and understanding of the varied dynamics involved in therapy with children.

For self-care, Anaymee engages in activities that reflect her personal interests and help maintain her well-being. She enjoys reading comics and manga, watching anime, going on hikes, and spending time with her dog, Maurchan, named after her favorite instant noodles. Recognizing the importance of family connections, she schedules regular phone calls with family members, an organizational habit influenced by her ABA background. Additionally, she makes a conscious effort to meet friends in person at least once every three months, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing her personal relationships alongside her professional responsibilities. These self-care practices not only provide her with necessary relaxation and rejuvenation but also reflect her holistic approach to maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Anaymee Cifuentes is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working at the Child and Family Guidance Center, in Northridge, CA. Anaymee specializes in working with children with ADHD, autism and their families. She can be contacted at Anaymee.Cifuentes@childguidance.org or 818.739.5653.

Sipan Nazaryan is an associate therapist at Avedian Counseling Center, with locations in Sherman Oaks and Glendale, holding a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Specializing in both child and adult therapy, he has extensive experience working with diverse clients on issues ranging from ADHD and behavioral challenges in children to couples counseling and anger management for adults. Sipan employs a mix of Psychodynamic therapy and evidence-based techniques, offering a culturally sensitive, down-to-earth approach in both English and Armenian. For consultations, Sipan can be reached at 818.399.1961 or sipan@counseling-centers.com.