Dr. Nicole Chavez is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified play therapist, and has specialized training in maternal mental health. She has been providing therapeutic and supportive services to children, adolescents, parents, and families since 2007. She has experience in providing therapy in a variety of settings to children ages 0-21, as well as working with pregnant and new mothers. She strongly believes in prevention and early intervention in order to maintain individual well-being, to promote healthy family relationships, and to facilitate positive bonding and attachment between the child and caregiver. While she enjoys providing individual therapy, she is a strong believe in the importance of working with the whole family. Dr. Chavez enjoys working with parents individually to help them improve their confidence in their parenting skills.
Dr. Chavez is dedicated to providing quality services and personalized care to each and every one of her clients. She prefers to work collaboratively with her clients in which they are an active participate in their change. |
I'm passionate about using humor, stories, and analogies to help my clients look at their challenges from a new perspective.
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If you feel stuck in old patterns it may seem impossible to free yourself. Today is the day. All you need to start the therapy process is the willingness to make that first contact. Dr. Faridnia believes in the innate ability of her clients to transform themselves, their relationships, and their lives. Everyone encounters challenges whether it's depression, anxiety, loss, failed relationships, compulsions, or past traumas. Dr. Faridnia works collaboratively with her clients to develop self-awareness and self esteem, a key foundation of meaningful relationships. She enjoys acting as an empowering, knowledgeable guide along each client’s unique therapeutic journey. Dr. Faridnia is a strong supporter of prevention and early intervention to bring about and maintain healthy familial attachments, reduce incidence and severity of risk factors, and increase individual strengths. Dr. Faridnia is committed to helping children, teens, and their families improve their communication and relationships.
Dr. Faridnia is a certified expert in parenting and family therapy. She is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence based treatment model, where she provides education and live coaching to parents to strengthen the parent-child bond, promote healthy parent-child attachment relationships, and decrease maladaptive child behavior. Dr. Faridnia is also certified in Functional Family Therapy, an evidenced based short-term family therapy model for tweens, teens, and young adults (aged 10-21) to decrease risky behavior, blame, and negativity, and increase responsibility, warmth, and functional communication. She helps to engage and motivate teens and their families by decreasing intense negativity, reducing and eliminating problem behaviors, and strengthening familial relationships and communication. |
I actively participate while listening to my clients to let them know they are not alone. I walk alongside my clients and encourage them to open up when they are ready.
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Anne Brunson is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, under the supervision of Dr. Parie Faridnia. Anne graduated from UC Irvine with a BA in Psychology and Social Behavior and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis of Marriage and Family Therapy, from Pepperdine University.
Anne is passionate about the work she does and works to ensure her clients feel safe, heard and understood in a compassionate and empathetic manner. She enjoys building strong relationships with her clients by providing a safe space to allow for healing and growth. “Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us.” David Richo She adds in elements of her own personality along with humor to make the therapy experience more enjoyable and less daunting. Anne also incorporates spirituality and faith-based interventions into her work upon the client’s request. A collaborative approach is used in her work to ensure the clients get the best care and their needs are heard and met during their time in therapy. Anne has worked in different areas of the mental health field, including working with adults who have acquired brain injuries and at a Catholic non-profit organization. She has experience with all ages treating anxiety, depression, stress, communication issues, and those experiencing life transitions. |
I emphasize teamwork and foster trust and collaboration with my clients.. I actively engage with them as I support and empower them through their healing and growth journey.
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Ariane Guirguis is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under Dr. Nicole Chavez's supervision. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Chapman University and a master's degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Pepperdine University.
In therapy, Ariane creates a safe and supportive space, utilizing humor, playfulness, intentionality, and collaboration. She values psychoeducation, empowering clients with knowledge for informed decision-making. Deeply rooted in her Christian faith, Ariane integrates faith-based interventions, aligning therapy with clients' values. With clinical experience spanning diverse backgrounds, Ariane addresses concerns like anxiety, stress, behavioral issues, relational struggles, and personality disorders. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach ensures clients of all ages and backgrounds feel heard and understood. "Be curious, not judgmental” Having played competitive team sports her whole life, Ariane fosters trust and collaboration with her clients by actively engaging with them as she supports and empowers them throughout their healing and growth journey. Emphasizing teamwork makes the dream work! |
I believe change and growth will not happen overnight, but being hopeful, resilient, honest, and determined happens every day.
Every individual in this world deserves the chance to be the best version of themselves. I hope that in the work we do together I can guide you to become the version you desire. The truth is you will be doing 100% of the hard work, my role as your therapist is to be an advocate and resource as you go through this life-changing journey. You got this, and I am here to meet you where you are! |
Anika Ahsan (she and her) is a third year Psy.D. (Doctoral of Clinical Psychology) student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is excited to join the team and has the honor of working with clients under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Chavez.
Anika values the work she conducts with every client. She is a believer that everyone knows themselves best. She is passionate about hearing her client’s stories and working with them as a team to best understand the client’s needs to figure out the most appropriate treatment plan. Anika has experience working with children and young adults on the autism spectrum disorder from ages 2-24 and their families. She started her career as a developmental therapist as a sophomore undergraduate which raised her interest in psychology and a passion for mental health. She also has experience working with acute mental health at an inpatient facility for adults. Anika’s ethnicity is Bengali American, and her long-term goal is to create a safe space for communities and individuals that are underrepresented in mental health. |
I love skiing, swimming, reading and going to the beach with my dogs.
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Jennifer Leaver received a Bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Washington and a Master's degree in Social Psychology with a specialty in intergroup relations from Claremont Graduate University.
She has taught psychology at the college level for over 20 years and enjoys working with both students and clients. Jennifer has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and play therapy. She has completed the coursework for her doctorate, is working on supervised clinical hours, and will begin her doctoral dissertation soon. I am excited for the next steps in my career and I enjoy providing excellent care for my clients. |