Meet Natasha Saifabad of Natasha Saifabad Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Saifabad

Hi Natasha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always known that mental health was a deeply personal and meaningful path for me, though my journey to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist wasn’t exactly conventional. I grew up in a family that faced significant mental health challenges—challenges that, as a young woman, I wasn’t fully equipped to understand at the time. However, through those experiences, I was fortunate to receive support by seeking my own therapy. That process was transformative; it allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and helped me see that my family’s struggles, while difficult, ultimately shaped me in a profoundly positive way. I came to realize that adversity is something we all face, and rather than defining us, it can become a source of strength and growth.

Through my lived experience, I felt a strong calling to give back and support others through their challenges. I pursued my undergraduate degree at the University of California, Irvine, where I studied Social and Behavioral Psychology, and then went on to earn my Master’s in Clinical Counseling at San Diego State University. After graduate school, I gained hands-on experience working in a dual-diagnosis substance abuse and mental health treatment facility, as well as at a group practice. These early career experiences were instrumental in shaping my clinical skills and approach.

In 2020, after years of training and mentorship, I took the leap into private practice. Today, I specialize in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, addiction, relational trauma, and self-esteem challenges. The guidance of my mentors and colleagues has been invaluable in helping me build a practice that aligns with my passion for helping others heal. Being able to witness my clients’ growth and resilience is truly the most rewarding part of what I do.

My journey has been shaped by both personal and professional experiences, and I’m grateful to be in a position where I can provide the same kind of support that once helped me. My hope is to create a space where people feel seen, understood, and empowered to navigate their own challenges with strength and self-compassion.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was realizing that building a successful private practice doesn’t happen overnight. In the beginning, I had to put in a lot of time and intentional effort to market myself, connect with colleagues in the community, and establish a strong professional network. It was a process that required persistence and patience—something I had to learn along the way. There were moments of uncertainty, but I came to understand that growth in this field is gradual and rooted in consistency. Over time, I saw the impact of those efforts, and I now appreciate that building a meaningful and sustainable practice is just as much about long-term commitment as it is about clinical expertise.

We’ve been impressed with Natasha Saifabad Therapy , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My practice is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy to individuals and couples navigating challenges related to anxiety, addiction, relational trauma, and self-esteem. With a wealth of experience working with a variety of populations, I bring a deep understanding of how personal history, relationships, and past experiences shape our present struggles.

I hold Level 3 Gottman Method training, equipping me with advanced techniques for couples therapy that focus on strengthening emotional connection, improving communication, and rebuilding trust. I am also EMDR trained and currently on the certification track, which allows me to work effectively with trauma survivors, helping them process and heal from distressing experiences. Additionally, I integrate Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my work, helping clients reshape their personal stories and develop a deeper understanding of their inner world.

What truly sets me apart is my commitment to continuous learning and growth. I prioritize ongoing education and advanced clinical training because I believe that as therapists, we must always be evolving to best support our clients. I also take pride in the strong, trusting relationships I develop with my clients—ensuring they feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.

Beyond clinical skills, I deeply value a personalized, integrative approach to therapy. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, I tailor my work to each individual or couple, ensuring that therapy is meaningful and aligned with their unique needs and goals. My goal is not just to help clients manage symptoms, but to guide them toward lasting transformation and self-discovery.

I am incredibly proud of the work I do and the impact it has on the lives of my clients. Witnessing their growth, resilience, and transformation is truly the most rewarding aspect of my career. It’s an honor to walk alongside individuals as they navigate their challenges, uncover their strengths, and build a deeper sense of self-compassion.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey as a therapist is patience—both with myself and with others. Early on, I had a tendency to be my own harshest critic, setting unrealistic standards for myself and expecting immediate progress. Over time, I realized that growth, healing, and change don’t happen on a fixed timeline—for myself or for my clients.

Through my own self-work, I learned to extend the same compassion and grace to myself that I encourage in others. That shift not only helped me personally but also profoundly impacted the way I show up for my clients. It reinforced the importance of meeting people exactly where they are, without judgment or pressure, and recognizing that everyone’s journey is uniquely their own.

Life comes with inevitable challenges, and part of the healing process is learning to navigate them at a pace that feels right for each individual. My role is to provide a safe, supportive space for clients to work through their struggles without expectation but with unwavering belief in their ability to grow. Embracing patience has allowed me to show up with deeper empathy, adaptability, and a greater appreciation for the resilience that exists in each of us.

Pricing:

• $185 individual session
• $300 couples session

Contact Info:

• Website: https://natashasaifabadtherapy.com/
• Instagram: tash.therapy