Hidden Gems: Meet Bella Shirinyan of Align Therapy Group, Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Shirinyan

Hi Bella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for having me. My journey into therapy began from a profound realization about the gaps in mental health care, especially concerning eating and feeding disorders. At the age of 32, with a clear vision and the support of my young family, I made the pivotal decision to return to school to become a licensed therapist. This decision was fueled by my personal experiences and a recognition of the need for specialized care in areas often overlooked by mainstream psychology.

After earning my degree, I was fortunate to train under the legendary late Rich Davis, whose rigorous guidance and infectious enthusiasm for mental health profoundly shaped my approach as a therapist. His mentorship emphasized the importance of resilience and meeting people exactly where they are.

In 2022, I launched Align Therapy Group, where we adopt a hands-on approach to therapy. Our practice integrates real-life activities like meal-sharing and shopping into our therapeutic methods, ensuring that clients can apply what they learn in therapy to their daily lives. Working alongside dieticians and medical providers, our therapists form a comprehensive support team that addresses the complex needs of our clients. This multifaceted approach not only normalizes the dining experience but also deepens the therapeutic relationships necessary for sustained recovery. I’m immensely proud of the unique and effective path to healing we’ve created at Align Therapy Group, dedicated to ensuring that each person feels seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their journey toward healing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting Align Therapy Group wasn’t a smooth journey; it came with significant challenges, especially as it coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unpredictability of that period tested our adaptability and resilience at every turn. However, it also highlighted the critical need for mental health services, reinforcing the importance of what we do. These experiences have been invaluable, teaching me the necessity of remaining flexible and innovative in the ever-evolving field of mental health.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Align Therapy Group, Inc. ?
At Align Therapy Group, I specialize in treating eating disorders across a spectrum of ages—from children to adults—and within family dynamics, fully acknowledging how deeply food and body image can permeate aspects of culture, connection, and personal identity. Understanding that these disorders rarely exist in isolation, I address the intertwined challenges of trauma, OCD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, tailoring my approach to meet the diverse needs of each client.

Recognizing the profound significance of the dinner table—a place where nourishment meets tradition and unspoken struggles often surface—shared meals are incorporated into therapy sessions to transform eating from a source of anxiety into a healing experience. This practice encourages open, honest discussions about challenges, reinforcing the therapeutic process and making it a natural and integral part of everyday life. By bringing the therapeutic experience into real-world settings, the approach helps clients and families navigate their relationships with food in a supportive and authentic way, turning mealtime into a space for connection and growth.

Beyond the therapy room, we offer extended support by accompanying clients on shopping trips for clothes or groceries, meeting them exactly where they are, not where they think they should be. At Align Therapy Group, the table is more than just furniture; it’s a place of connection and understanding, where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported in their journey toward recovery and growth. Here, everyone has a seat, and every voice matters, because I believe that true healing starts with feeling truly seen and understood.

And sometimes, the best therapists have four legs—because dogs are therapeutic, too.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5-10 years, the mental health industry is expected to continue leveraging AI and technology to improve accessibility and efficiency in therapy, a trend that saw significant growth during COVID-19. The pandemic demonstrated the convenience and effectiveness of teletherapy, making mental health support more accessible to those who previously faced barriers such as location, mobility, or scheduling constraints. This trend will continue, with technology providing flexible and convenient therapy options that fit into people’s lives.

AI-driven tools, virtual platforms, and digital apps will enhance the accessibility and efficiency of therapy, offering personalized interventions, continuous support, and real-time resources. While the human connection remains essential, these technological advancements will complement traditional therapy, ensuring support is readily available when and where it’s needed. As the industry evolves, therapy will become more integrated into everyday life, meeting the diverse needs of individuals and families in a more accessible and efficient way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aligntherapygroup.com
• Instagram: align_therapy_group
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091820171333
• Twitter: @AlignTherapyG
• Youtube: @aligntherapygroup
• Other: alignpsychotherapyla

Image Credits
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