Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirin Peykar.
Shirin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I married the person that I felt was my life partner and soulmate in my mid-20’s, despite my intuition tugging at me with each step- the engagement, the wedding, the house. Not knowing what to look for in a lasting marriage, I thought passion and love were enough, as many singles do.
At the age of 31, I found myself in a contentious, drawn-out court battle while taking full-time care of our 8-month old baby with very limited financial support. Not many people in my life could relate to my struggle, causing me to feel very alone in my experience. My friends and family were either getting married or starting a family, definitely not getting divorced.
With initial hesitation, I joined a divorce support group a month after my separation, which unknowingly would be the most eye-opening, empowering experience. Having a community that understood me, validated my feelings, and encouraged me to step into reality, adjusted the lens I was seeing my life through. I slowly became a woman with healthy boundaries who loved herself first and found gratitude in even the most difficult situation. The take away: Every relationship mirrors the one you have with yourself.
The sudden passing away of the group leader inspired me to switch hats and become a giver, something that I make a conscious effort in doing daily. Giving to others has rewarded me with perspective & purpose.
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, it is my vision & goal to help people avoid divorce or become empowered after it. Whether they are married and striving to make their relationship work, in the process of divorce and needing emotional or logistical support, or already divorced, and want to create new, healthier patterns of relationships, I provide my expertise to help clients cultivate the life they want to live by being the person, parent, partner they need to be.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, I wouldn’t say that it has been smooth. The experience of loss is a very painful, emotional road that travels in a non-linear way. It required feeling, confronting and accepting uncomfortable feelings, like anger and sadness, while going to Mommy and Me classes, play dates, and trainings.
There were times of immense discomfort and stress, but I made the conscious effort to feel every emotion along the way because I knew that was the only path to freedom. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I was living proof of the quote, “What doesn’t kill you does make you stronger.” So I’d say this journey has been rewarding, empowering, enlightening, transformational.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I offer psychotherapy specializing in Young Adults (Ages 18-40), Women’s Issues, Couples Therapy, Divorce, and Mindful Parenting. My private practice model also offers non-traditional sessions where clients and I walk at a park for the duration of their session to incorporate the mind & body.
For clients out of California, I offer Teletherapy Coaching, which are more short-term sessions that are informative & educational, rather than process and emotional-oriented. Sessions take place through Skype, Facetime, or Google Hangouts (for couples).
Because of my experience, I can not only meet and understand clients on an emotional level but also offer tools needed to make choices conducive to a healthy, happy life. I pride myself on the commitment I have to the well-being of every single client in my practice.
My presence in the room with clients is nurturing, authentic, optimistic, motivational. I joke about how choosing a therapist is similar to dating in the regard that there needs to be trust and connection in the therapeutic relationship as well. I offer potential clients a complimentary 15-minute consultation call to get a feel for my personality and for me to learn about their situation in order to decide if we are a good fit.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was strong-willed, persistent, and self-aware. I was initially shy in social situations, but once I felt comfortable, nothing could stop me. I enjoyed horseback riding, baking/cooking, writing and girly things like getting my nails done. Interestingly, I always had a love of cars too.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4835 Van Nuys Blvd Suite 200 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
- Website: www.talkwithshirin.
com - Phone: 310-213-4953
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/lets_talk_ divorce/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/TalkwithShirin/ - Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/
biz/shirin-peykar-lmft-los- angeles
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
