Arakel Aristakessian

Therapy is a place where you can show up as you are, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, understood enough to explore difficult experiences, and supported enough to create meaningful change.

My name is Arakel Aristakessian, MS, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC, a licensed therapist with experience in community mental health, higher education counseling, and rehabilitation settings. I earned my bachelor's degrees in Social Welfare and Spanish Language & Literature from UC Berkeley and my Master of Science in Counseling, with emphases in College Counseling/Student Services and Clinical Counseling, from California State University, Northridge. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, family conflict, and major life transitions.

As a first-generation American of Armenian immigrants, I understand how culture, family expectations, and identity can shape the way we experience ourselves and our relationships. I provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and strive to offer care that is culturally responsive, affirming, and tailored to each person's unique experiences.

My communication style is warm, respectful, and collaborative. I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding the deeper patterns behind our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My role isn't to judge your past or tell you who you should become, but to help you better understand yourself with curiosity and compassion so that shame loses its power and lasting growth becomes possible.

I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative and grounded in trust. Together, we'll identify goals that are meaningful to you while recognizing that those goals may evolve as your needs, priorities, and insights change over time. I check in regularly to make sure our work continues to feel relevant and aligned with what matters most to you.

My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy, mindfulness, and DBT-informed skills, to help you better understand your patterns, regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and make choices that align with your values. My goal is to help you develop both deeper insight and practical tools that support meaningful, lasting change.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a comfortable working relationship. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, explore the challenges you're currently facing, discuss what you're hoping to achieve, and answer any questions you have about the therapy process.

Depending on your comfort level, I may ask several questions to better understand your background, so the first session may feel a bit like an interview at times. I also adapt to where you are emotionally. If you're feeling nervous or overwhelmed, we can slow down and focus on helping you feel comfortable first. My hope is that you'll leave our first session feeling heard, respected, and optimistic about the work we'll do together.