Sherly is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in West Los Angeles, California. She treats the full array of psychological and emotional difficulties, including depression, postpartum depression, anxiety and anxiety-associated conditions, panic attacks, trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, cultural transition, stress-related problems, self-esteem issues, grief/bereavement, and fertility issues.

Seeking help is the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life. Careful consideration needs to be taken in choosing a therapist, as one may be vulnerable due to life stressors. Sherly pays great respect to each individual seeking her services and has compassion as each person shares and examines sensitive psychological and emotional experiences. Sherly builds a personalized treatment and takes each individual through the process at their own pace, as she believes in providing a safe therapeutic relationship for increasing insight, healing, and transformation.   Her treatment modalities include CBT, psychodynamic, EMDR, Brainspotting, Humanistic-Existential, psycho-educational, and the use of rhythmic breath techniques.  

Sherly has over 26 years of clinical experience. She earned her Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern California with honors. From 2002-2004 she continued her postgraduate studies by attending a two-year certificate psychoanalytic psychotherapy training at Southern California Psychoanalytic Institute (SCPI) in Beverly Hills and later attending the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis (ICP). Her training was at non-profit agencies such as Julia Ann Singer Center, Family Services of LA, LA Free Clinic with extensive supervision. She continued her practice as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and training coordinator in highly respected academic and clinical agencies, namely Campion Mental Health Center, OPCC in Santa Monica, and Didi Hirsch. In 2003, she was trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, by EMDR Institute, Inc. In the same year, she also had training in Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefing.   

In 1997, she started her private practice providing psychotherapy services for adults, adolescents, and couples. She has written and published psychological articles for Iranian American magazines and has been a guest speaker on Iranian radio and on professional psychological panels. She has been active in educational studies and research studies.  She has a special interest in the field of mind, body and spirit.   Research in the field of mind-body and neurophysiological source of pain, trauma and emotional stress has opened her up to integrating western and eastern models of treatment and healing.   The connection between physical health, mental health, and spiritual health is an open, inclusive model and relational approach.   

Sherly is passionate about humanitarian principles and spiritual studies, and she strives to use her knowledge to make the world a better place.  She works to raise awareness of mental health issues and to promote healthy lifestyle practices.  She is an active volunteer member of local community services and international outreach projects to promote meditation practice and to enrich lives.  She has also been a speaker at various events to promote the importance of mindfulness and rhythmic breath meditation for the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Sherly believes that by working together, we can create a more peaceful, tolerant, and understanding world.   

In addition to her studies and career path, she has a deep appreciation for art, dance, music, and poetry.  She finds inspiration through reading Rumi poetry and uses photography to capture the beauty and a glimpse of life and existence. 

Personal Statement:

"In my psychotherapy practice, I integrate various teachings and evidenced-based techniques in consideration of each person's unique needs, culture, values, lifestyles, and spiritual perspectives. The assessment and treatment consideration is based on careful consideration of the presenting issues, conditions, and symptoms. I utilize Western traditional models as well as Eastern perspectives in gaining insight and in optimizing one's internal faculties. I have been trained in Brainspotting (BSP) &  Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to help overcome traumatic symptoms, flashbacks, and anxiety and other ranges of emotional distressors and creative blocks.  I  have initiated to expand my practice in utilizing breath meditation for increasing self-regulation and also the use of  brainspotting (BSP) as a neurobiological tool for treatment. I teach the use of rhythmic breath exercises in targeting symptom relief and in teaching tools for self-regulation to support mental clarity, mental concentration, and the development of flexible thinking. 

 As a psychotherapist, I have chosen and committed myself to a continuous path of exploration, expression, and expansion in relation to myself and those I work with professionally.  My goal is to help each individual in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, to help alleviate the emotional pain, and to support growth and the necessary changes to reach optimum wellbeing. I enjoy and have experience working with people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.”