I grew up in a multicultural family: My mother is Persian and my father has Scottish, Irish, German and Native American roots. My mother was raised in a deeply patriarchal society in Iran, fighting the limitations imposed on women so fiercely that she ultimately became the first woman to be admitted to the Abadan Institute of Technology, a highly respected all-male university. On the other side of the world, my father was a collegiate athlete from northern California who, while recognizing the privilege that his gender, ethnicity, and life circumstances gave him, often questioned society’s status quo – one of the many outcomes of this was him offering to take my mother’s last name when they got married, something which was unheard of in the 70’s and is still considered highly unusual today.
Two head-strong, forward-thinking people getting married is exciting and would be deemed “goals” for many, but it wasn't without its occasional friction. Merging such different backgrounds and life experiences was as gratifying as it was challenging, and I was able to learn conflict resolution skills in real time – I would find myself immersed in a space of curiosity and analysis, listening closely and intensely observing each of their perspectives, gradually learning how multiple realities can coexist at the same time and how two people can find harmony in the midst of divergent perspectives.
The front-row seat to my parent’s marriage ignited a passion for understanding relationship dynamics that transcended into my own journey. I eventually realized that helping others work through their struggles was the one thing I could get lost in and completely lose track of time. It didn’t feel like “work” – it felt like a beautiful, captivating puzzle, with the pieces being made up of the hopes, joys, pain and vulnerabilities of the people involved. I decided to make this my life’s work, and I never looked back.
Academically, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Child Development, with a minor in Psychology, at Arizona State University. After taking some time off to do service work, I started graduate school and received a Master’s degree and subsequently a Ph. D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My training at NSU also included a specialization in Medical Family Therapy and a post-doctoral certificate in hypnotherapy. Today, in addition to seeing clients and public speaking engagements, I teach at Arizona State University, with classes focusing on courtship, marriage, family life, and race and diversity issues. Teaching at the university keeps my finger on the pulse of the latest research and societal discourse, enriching my work with clients. I'm not just solving puzzles; I'm ensuring the pieces align with the pulse of current trends and research. In this intricate dance of academia and therapy, I've found my life's work – a path chosen with no regrets, and a path paved with endless opportunities for growth, connection, and shared learning.