Anahita Kia, JD, LMFT

My story is a bit unique, as, prior to my career as a therapist, I practiced law for eight years in various arenas, including criminal law, litigation, and entertainment. I knew, however, after my first year of law school, that I wasn't meant to be a lawyer. Having grown up in a creative and musical family, I spent much of my time painting and writing songs, which ultimately helped me alleviate the chronic feelings of dissatisfaction I was experiencing as an attorney. I found deep gratification as an artist and singer/songwriter, selling my artwork, publishing albums, and licensing my songs for television and film. In 2011, I decided to pursue a career in psychology, as it felt natural, rewarding, and in alignment with my personality. I continue to create art and music and feel grateful for the opportunities to do so.

 

My professional career in psychology has been undeniably fulfilling. As a private practice therapist, I treat adults, couples, and families experiencing emotional and relational issues, including separation and divorce, codependency, issues related to substance use and addictive behaviors, women's health issues, and mental health issues including depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, and grief & loss.

 

Given my background as an attorney, I work closely with legal, medical, and  business professionals experiencing issues with anger, addiction, depression, anxiety, work burnout, workplace bullying, sexual harassment, career transition, and retirement. And given my personal connection to creative expression, I work with artists, musicians, and innovators who may be experiencing challenges with imagination and inspiration, lack of motivation, "writer's block," and performance anxiety. 

 

I've worked in diverse treatment settings, from residential to outpatient levels of care, both as a therapist and a Clinical Director. I've worked as an adjunct Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Clinical Supervisor to student therapists at Pepperdine Community Counseling Center, and Certified Mediator for the Superior Court of Ventura County.

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Because of my interest in working with trauma survivors, I became a certified counselor for survivors of domestic violence, as well as a certified counselor for survivors of sexual assault. As a result of my participation in Jon Kabat-Zinn’s eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program, I utilize mindfulness-based interventions combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients understand and manage their physical and emotional distress. My treatment style is relational and solution-focused, and I work in collaboration with my clients to help them achieve their desired goals.