Member Highlight — Sipan Nazaryan, Prelicensed Associate

Erika Perry-Dutton

The journey of a psychotherapist often begins with a constellation of personal experiences and professional encounters that guide their career path and shape their therapeutic approach. For Erika, the worlds of theater and psychology merged to form the bedrock of a fulfilling career dedicated to aiding youth. Initially a theater major, she found her passion while working with neurodiverse preschool children. This experience highlighted her natural affinity for connecting with children who faced various challenges, leading her to rethink her career trajectory.

Her pivot toward psychology was deeply personal as well; having lost her father at a young age and benefited greatly from therapy herself, she was driven by a desire to offer similar support to others. After earning an Associate of Arts in theater from Santa Monica College, she transferred to UCLA to study psychology. There, her commitment to the field deepened through an internship at the Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention, where she practiced ABA with children on the autistic spectrum. This transition from theater to psychology was not just a career change but a means of securing a stable future, all while fulfilling her passion for helping others. Through these diverse experiences, she developed a unique therapeutic approach that combines the creativity and empathy of a performer with the scientific rigor of a psychologist, emphasizing early intervention and tailored support for neurodivergent youth.

Erika’s areas of specialization—working with individuals on the autistic spectrum and those experiencing trauma— reflect her commitment to addressing complex psychological issues. Her decision to focus on these areas stems from a combination of personal inclination and professional exposure, leading her to become EMDR certified and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These certifications equip her to provide specialized, evidence based treatments that address the unique needs of her clients.

Her gravitation toward trauma work was significantly influenced by her experiences in graduate school, where she worked with middle school children. Witnessing the profound impact of bullying, abuse, and neglect on these young individuals, she felt compelled to specialize in trauma therapy to offer effective interventions for recovery. Her background in ABA also plays a crucial role, providing a structured approach that complements her trauma and neurodiversity work. Besides her clinical practice, she extends her expertise through social skills groups and as a clinical supervisor, underscoring her dedication to both direct client work and the broader field of psychotherapy through mentorship and training, helping shape the next generation of therapists.

Erika’s approach to psychotherapy is characterized by its adaptability and depth, integrating various modalities to meet the specific needs of her clients. Initially trained in narrative therapy and solution-focused techniques during her traineeship, she has since expanded her repertoire to include CBT, EMDR, and continues to utilize narrative methods. This eclectic approach underscores her belief in the importance of tailoring interventions to fit the individual client, a philosophy that enhances her ability to provide effective, personalized care.

Navigating the challenges of a career in psychotherapy, particularly within the realm of community mental health, has required resilience and innovation. The demanding nature of documentation, the long hours, and the emotional toll of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue are significant hurdles. Running her own company added another layer of complexity, pushing her to acquire business management skills that were not covered in her graduate training at Pepperdine.

For those considering a career in psychotherapy or contemplating a specialization, Erika offers nuanced advice rooted in her own experiences. She highlights the strategic advantages of pursuing specific licensures, such as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which she believes can open doors to diverse opportunities in settings like hospitals or schools that might be less accessible to Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). She underscores the importance of professional advocacy, expressing hope that organizations like CAMFT continue to champion the interests of therapists across various licensure areas, ensuring equitable access to all professional avenues.

Regarding her involvement with the San Fernando Valley chapter of CAMFT, she has been an active member since around 2010. While her multiple job commitments have so far prevented her from taking on formal roles within the organization, she values the community for its networking and learning opportunities. Her participation has been instrumental in expanding her professional network, even facilitating the hiring of staff for her company through connections made within SFV-CAMFT. The trainings offered by the organization are a particular highlight, and she appreciated the ability to maintain these valuable connections online during the pandemic, ensuring continuous professional development and support within the psychotherapy community. This blend of professional involvement and advocacy not only enriches her own practice but also contributes to the broader therapeutic landscape, encouraging emerging therapists to actively engage with professional organizations to enhance their careers.

Professional networking and active involvement in relevant organizations are critical for psychotherapists, especially those in private practice where professional isolation can be a significant challenge. For Erika, networking serves as a vital link to the broader community, providing a platform to connect with peers, understand different therapeutic approaches, and gain visibility for her own practice. She emphasizes the importance of these connections not just for referrals and business growth but also for personal and professional support, enhancing her practice through shared knowledge and experiences.

Addressing common misconceptions about therapy is another crucial aspect of her work. She often encounters cultural beliefs that stigmatize therapy as something reserved for individuals perceived as "crazy. " To combat these misconceptions, she educates her clients about therapy being a science-backed, evidence-based practice aimed at supporting people through various challenges—not just a venue for conversation. By normalizing therapy as a resource for everyone, she works to shift perceptions and encourage more individuals to seek out the support they need.

Interestingly, she also holds views that might not align with mainstream therapeutic practices, such as her endorsement of attachment parenting. Contrary to more widely accepted methods like encouraging self soothing, she advocates for approaches that emphasize continuous parental support and responsiveness. Her commitment to non- violent communication parenting further supports this stance, focusing on empathetic interaction, helping children label their feelings, and teaching conflict resolution through modeling.

For self care, she balances her demanding career with fulfilling personal activities. She spends quality time with her husband and kids, engages in swimming for physical exercise, enjoys singing at karaoke events, and relaxes with friends or unwinds by watching shows and attending theater performances.

Erika Perry-Dutton is a psychotherapist working out of Valencia and the San Fernando Valley. She is the co-owner and clinical director of Social Connections counseling center. They provide social support and therapy to people are neurodivergent or have social skills challenges. If you are interested you can contact her at Erika@SocialConnectionsCC.com or 818-439-7730.

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.