Elaina Farokhzad earned a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch University after graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Elaina previously worked as a research assistant at UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Lab, comparing the standard treatment for substance use disorders to a new treatment that integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She is experienced in working with individuals, couples and families impacted by depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse and relationship issues. She is passionate about helping her clients heal from low self-esteem, difficult relationship patterns and negative self-beliefs that result from painful childhood and adult experiences.

Elaina utilizes a psychodynamic, relational and trauma informed approach to best meet her client’s individualized needs. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which has helped many of her clients alleviate symptoms and emotional distress as a result of disturbing or traumatic life experiences.

Above all, Elaina brings authenticity, warmth, and a non-judgmental stance to her work. She focuses on creating a space of safety, connection, and growth, and believes that through the work of uncovering trauma, facing fears, and implementing goals, change is possible for each one of her clients.