top of page

WELCOME

Thank you for exploring my practice! I look forward to providing the information you need to make the best choice for your mental health and personal growth.

Dr. Sahar Motakef
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. ” 

VIKTOR FRANKL

ABOUT

ABOUT ME

BACKGROUND

Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist who works with individuals and couples. I specialize in evidence-based therapy for a range of mental health concerns. These include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, phobias, perinatal mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. My training background in medical settings has informed my experience in behavioral health/health psychology such as in the adaptation of lifestyle changes benefiting physical and mental health and working with clients to extinguish unhelpful habits, including in the treatment of sleep disorders.

Similarly, I provide therapy treatment for individuals with ADHD, focusing on improving time-management and organizational habits as well as overcoming the challenges of procrastination/avoidant styles that impact functioning and contribute to an individual's symptoms of anxiety and low self-esteem.

My work also focuses on addressing issues unique to identity development, acculturation, spirituality, life stages, and family-of-origin and romantic relationships. My expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance-based therapy (ACT) is founded in a positive, strengths-based approach to foster a balance of self-compassion and personal accountability to assist clients in recognizing their innate value and true potential, while facilitating a sense of personal empowerment in their lives.

I also hold a certificate in Perinatal Mental Health and I am a member of Postpartum Support International, the American Psychological Association, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

 

I have emphasized culturally diverse training practices, the provision of competent care for members of the LGBTQ community, feminist perspectives, and social advocacy throughout my career.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Pepperdine University

Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy, Pepperdine University

 


Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Political Science, University of California, Irvine

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles

  • APA Accredited Doctoral Internship, Loma Linda University Medical Center​

  • Doctoral Training Practicum, University of Southern California’s Engemann Health Center

  • Doctoral Training Practicum, Neuropsychiatric Center at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center

  • Doctoral Training Practicum, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at the University of California, Irvine

  • ​Doctoral Training Practicum, Pepperdine Community Counseling Clinic in West Los Angeles

SPECIALTIES

Individual and Couples Therapy

 

Young adults to senior adults

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies and concepts

 

Mindfulness practices

 

Multicultural approaches

Gender-based approaches

              EXPERIENCE

I have provided therapy services to clients for over 13 years. I have worked in various clinical settings, including hospitals, inpatient treatment, community clinics, and private practice. 





CONTACT ME

If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions, please fill out the form here and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Please include information about previous mental health history and treatment, current concerns, and goals for treatment, as well as scheduling preferences.

E-MAIL

Thank You!

bottom of page