Meet Adrine Avetyan Benlian of Glendale Counseling & Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrine Avetyan Benlian.

Adrine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
“Peer Counseling” program in the 8th grade was the first opportunity I had to do therapy (obviously not legitimately with a license or anything 🙂 ). It was a program that allowed students to volunteer as peer counselors for kids who had been in an altercation during snack or lunch hours, as a way to avoid suspension from school. We were trained how to facilitate discussions between those who had been sent to us and help resolve their issues with one another. It was then that I knew I wanted to do this as a career. I signed up for a psychology course during my senior year of high school and was beyond fascinated with the information I learned in class and from the (only) textbook I actually enjoyed reading. I then applied to and got accepted to the psychology program at the University of CA, Riverside, where I received my bachelor’s degree from.

After graduation, I decided to go into the workforce to ensure that I had chosen the correct field for myself. I worked at a couple organizations that helped those struggling with mental illness, and confirmed I’d like to continue in the field of mental health. I then began my Master’s program at Pepperdine University and emphasized in Marriage and Family Therapy. Every single class I took (ok, except Statistics 🙂 ) not only taught me the information I’d need in the future as an LMFT, but also that I had such a great passion for helping people. I don’t think I realized this until later when I began receiving my own therapy, but helping people was fascinating to me because I was learning about my own struggles in the process. It helped me gain awareness to the years of struggles I had had with anxiety, dating back to when I was only five years old. I wanted to help people the way I wished someone would have helped me (had I felt comfortable enough to reach out for help).

Earning my master’s degree allowed me to complete my internship hours at Verdugo Mental Health, and then at Didi Hirsch Mental Health services (Armunity program) working with the underserved population, as well as promoting awareness to decrease stigma about mental health issues in the Armenian community. I am forever indebted to the supervisors I had at VMH and Didi Hirsch for everything I learned from them. I’ve been extremely lucky to be mentored by some of the greatest therapists in our field.

Getting licensed was one of the biggest accomplishments I’ve had. It has allowed me to go into private practice where my clients have given me the privilege to work with them through their struggles. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be present with them, and to be trusted to walk through their journey by their side. I have also been lucky enough to teach psychology courses as an adjunct professor at Mount St. Mary’s University, where I have collaborated with, and helped guide students who have as deep of a passion for the mental health field as I do.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? Not in the mental health field. But the bumps in the road are what have made me the person (both professionally and personally) that I am today. Most of my struggles have been sitting with, processing (with my own therapist), and overcoming the difficulties of working with people who have been through so much (trauma, pain, etc.) in their lives. Without our own personal work, there is no way we can be effective therapist and help others.

I’ve also had to endure the difficulties of working full-time jobs to financially support myself throughout the years while going to school to earn my degrees. Although my parents, who came as immigrants to this country, weren’t able to be financially supportive, their emotional support has been more important to me than anything I could have asked for. They’ve given me the encouragement I needed to be the first person in my entire family to earn a master’s degree, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Glendale Counseling & Wellness – what should we know?
In my private practice, I do individual, family, and couples therapy for adolescents, adults, and older adults. I work with a variety of diagnoses and specialize in anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders. I’m proud to have succeeded in opening a private practice at such a young age, but attribute most of my success to the mentors I’ve had in the process. I also supervise Associate Marriage and Family Therapists while they gain experience and earn hours toward licensure.

I continue to learn as much as I can in the field and constantly participate in trainings, not only because I have a passion to be a student in our field, but because I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with other mental health professionals. I’m currently a student at GATLA (Gestalt Associates Training Los Angeles), where I’ve been learning and refining the ways in which I can be better at who I am and what I do, not only in the field but just as a person.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been so many educators that I have had a privilege to learn from, at Pepperdine, VMH and Didi Hirsch. But I do have to say a special thank you to Jane Maki who was my first supervisor and mentor. If there is anyone who has had the opportunity to work with/for Jane, they know that they are the therapists they are today because of her. Her knowledge, encouragement, and ability to help me see my strengths as a therapist has given me the confidence to be successful in working with my clients today. She is an absolutely amazing therapist, an exceptional mentor, and an overall wonderful soul.

I’d also like to mention Seta Haig from Didi Hirsch, as well as Robert and Rita Resnick (along with the other trainers and therapists at GATLA) who have played such an important part in my life, both professionally and personally. Each person I’ve worked with has inspired me in various ways, and I hope to continue to evolve as a therapist with their support and guidance.

Contact Info:

• Address: 230 N. Maryland Ave. Suite 303
  Glendale, CA 91206
• Website: www.therapywithadrine.com
• Phone: 818-934-1184
• Email: adrinelmft@gmail.com
• Instagram: glendalecounseling

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