Member Highlight — Sipan Nazaryan, Prelicensed Associate

Niousha Solemani

Niousha Soleimani, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and recent 2022 graduate of Phillips Graduate Institute, stands just a couple hundred hours away from completing her clinical requirements—a significant milestone made even more remarkable by her current maternity leave. As she awaits the arrival of her son, scheduled for a Wednesday birth just days after our interview.

Drawn to the field by her own transformative experiences in therapy, Soleimani reflects on the dual motivators that propelled her career: a deep-seated desire to assist others and the profound impact of empathy and compassion. Her approach to therapy is deeply influenced by these personal insights, emphasizing the importance of simply being present with her clients. "It's about the power of sitting with someone in their moment of need," Soleimani shares, highlighting how her experiences have shaped a therapeutic style that prioritizes connection and understanding. This blend of personal experience and professional training not only enriches her practice but also fosters a nurturing environment conducive to healing and growth.

Niousha Soleimani's therapeutic approach is distinguished by her commitment to accommodating individual client needs while drawing extensively on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Person-Centered Therapy. Soleimani specializes in addressing the intricate layers of an individual's experience by focusing on comprehensive life narratives, from childhood onwards, to uncover "the recipe that makes you." This holistic view is central to her practice, enabling a deep understanding of each client's unique emotional landscape.

Soleimani's skill set extends to integrating object relations theory within a broader psychodynamic framework, which significantly informs her work with families and couples. Her adeptness in managing relational dynamics shines through in couples therapy, where she excels at creating a supportive space conducive to mutual understanding and growth. Inspired by notable figures in the field such as Harville Hendrix, Esther Perel, and Sue Johnson, Soleimani finds her passion ignited by the complex interplay of human relationships. This specialization not only aligns with her academic pursuits but also with her innate aptitude for facilitating meaningful interactions between individuals in their most intimate settings.

For those contemplating a career in psychotherapy or considering a specialization, Niousha Soleimani offers sage advice that emphasizes the relational core of therapeutic work. "You don't need to have all the answers, nor do you need a perfectly ordered life to help others," she advises. According to Soleimani, the essence of being an effective therapist lies in the ability to be fully present—providing a supportive space where clients feel seen and heard. This approach, she suggests, allows therapists to "witness the client's journey," fostering healing through empathy and connection rather than through prescriptive solutions.

Soleimani's engagement with the San Fernando Valley chapter of CAMFT further underscores her commitment to the field. Having joined the chapter in July 2021, she became more actively involved by June 2022, contributing her skills to the diversity committee. By January 2024, she ascended to the role of CFO, a position she approached with eagerness despite its challenges. Soleimani credits her predecessor with setting a high standard, noting that learning the ropes involved mastering new standard operating procedures and understanding the reluctance of many therapists to engage with the business and accounting aspects of practice. Embracing the role of CFO, she appreciates the opportunity to construct foundational processes anew, finding joy and fulfillment in a role that many might shy away from. This involvement not only enhances her professional skills but also deepens her commitment to the psychotherapeutic community.

Niousha Soleimani emphasizes the crucial role of professional networking and active participation in organizations like CAMFT for her professional development. She underscores the diversity within the field of therapy, noting, "Therapy isn't just one thing; therapists specialize, and it's unlikely that one therapist can meet the needs of every client." This specialization necessitates a strong professional network that facilitates cross-referrals, a process that Soleimani believes requires considerable humility.

Addressing common misconceptions about therapy, Soleimani often encounters clients who expect instant solutions—viewing therapists almost like doctors who can prescribe a quick fix. She clarifies to her clients that therapy is a process, not a quick fix. "We don’t just 'fix it,'" she explains. Therapy involves exploring issues, understanding emotions, and developing coping strategies over time, which can sometimes challenge clients' initial expectations.

One of Soleimani's more controversial beliefs concerns the common therapeutic recommendation of cutting ties with difficult family and friends. Contrary to this popular opinion, she advocates for working through challenging relationships. "Boundaries are not cement walls," she asserts, suggesting that understanding and working through relational tensions can be more beneficial than severance.

For self-care, Soleimani turns to cooking, baking, and engaging in puzzles, activities that allow her to unwind and focus on the moment. She also picked up building Lego sets during the pandemic, an activity that combines creativity with relaxation, providing her with a peaceful escape from her demanding professional life.

Niousha Soleimani, is an associate therapist working out of Burbank, Glendale, Santa Clarita, and via Telehealth. She specializes in working with teens, adults, couples and families. If you’d like to work with her you may contact her at NooshSoleimani.com.

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.