ABOUT MONA SABA VALERIANO
PSYCHOTHERAPY, LCSW:27612
I received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2008, following my undergraduate studies with a double major BA in Psychology and Communication, also from University of Southern California (2004). Following my graduate studies, I worked at Prototypes I-CAN as a therapist for unhoused families and later in a Field Based Community
Services program where I worked with a number of clients of diverse and economic backgrounds, sexual and gender identities, and varying mental health conditions.
Following my entry into private practice in 2012, I pursued further education at the Los Angeles Institute of Psychoanalytic Studies (LAISPS) where I attended a 30-week Eating Disorder Training and then completed a year-long training in Psychoanalysis. I have also pursued training in EMDR Therapy and Brainspotting and am trained in EFT to assist my work with couples. I am currently enrolled in a 3-year Core Training program in ISTDP. One of my favorite things about this profession is that I, as a clinician, am always learning and growing. Our field is continually expanding and my zest for learning helps me remain open and curious in the room with clients. I have also supervised a number of associates both in community mental health settings and in private practice and deeply enjoy acting as an educator in this field.
While I have worked with diverse clientele, I have a special interest in working with those struggling with codependency and addictive behaviors, and with children of parents with alcoholic, narcissistic or borderline traits. I also enjoy working with new parents and mothers in the postpartum period and beyond, as well as assisting clients through role and identity transitions. As a first generation Middle Eastern provider, I very much enjoy working with clients interested in navigating their relationship to cultural and ethnic identity within our Western society as well as working with inter-racial couples navigating such differences and dynamics in their relationship. I have a special interest in assisting clients who are wanting to process anxiety, anger and rage on their path towards greater inner peace and improved relationships with others. I am LBGTQI affirmative and welcome all clients of diverse gender and sexual identities.
AREAS OF INTEREST AND EXPERTISE
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Trauma
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Anxiety
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Children of Parents with Narcissism, Borderline or Alcoholism
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Addictions
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Eating Disorders
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Codependency
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Relationship and Intimacy Issues
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Self-Esteem
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Grief and Loss
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Anger/Rage Exploration and Release
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Cultural and Identity Explorations
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​Somatic Complaints
