Dr. Sepideh Alavi

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand, or carrying the impact of past experiences, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist (Ph.D.) from UCSB with a postdoctoral fellowship in integrative health from VA West LA- UCLA affiliated. I have experience working in public mental health, large healthcare systems, and the private sector. I’ve worked with adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and major life stressors.

My approach is holistic, trauma-informed and culturally responsive, and I integrate evidence-based practices to help you better understand how your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and nervous system interact. Clients often share that they feel both supported and gently challenged in our work together. I aim to meet you with empathy while also helping you move toward meaningful, lasting change.

I take a collaborative, integrative, and insight-oriented approach to therapy that is also practical and goal-focused. I draw from evidence-based treatments like CBT, DBT, ACT, CPT, EFT, mindfulness, and self-compassion, tailoring our work to your specific needs and goals.

In our work together, we won’t just talk about what’s happening—we’ll also explore why it’s happening and what you can do about it. This may include understanding how past experiences shape current patterns, building tools to regulate emotions, and developing healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

I believe therapy should help you feel both understood and empowered, with tools you can actually use in your day-to-day life.

The first session is a supportive, low-pressure space to start wherever you are. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what’s bringing you to therapy now, and what you’re hoping to change or better understand.

You don’t need to have everything figured out—I’ll guide the conversation with thoughtful questions while making sure you feel comfortable moving at your own pace.

We’ll also begin to gently explore patterns and what might be contributing to what you’re experiencing, so you can start gaining clarity early on. By the end of the session, we’ll identify initial goals and talk about what working together might look like, so you leave with a clearer sense of direction and next steps.