Team

Our Experts

Annie Tarakchian, MA, AMFT

Annie Tarakchian, MA, AMFT

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Annie Tarakchian, M.S. (AMFT142950), is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, under the supervision of Dr. Emi Iijima, PhD (PSY26001). She completed her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and later earned her graduate degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. Annie is fluent in Russian and Armenian and works with couples and individuals of all ages. She has experience working with people struggling with difficult life transitions, aging-related issues, depression, anxiety, athletes/ retired athletes, physical injuries, cultural/immigrant conflict, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder.  

 

With empathy and collaboration at the forefront, Annie takes a humanistic and psychodynamic approach to support a client as they work through their story. She utilizes narrative, CBT, and family systems interventions to help clients navigate their experiences while strengthening their coping, communication, and relational skills. Ultimately, her goal is to provide a safe and precious space for individuals to feel, process, and reach their goals with both grace and accountability. 

Lawrence Miller, MA, PsyD

Lawrence Miller, MA, PsyD

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Dr Miller earned his Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara. His clinical and research focus has been the mental wellness of seniors and negotiating their transition to successful ageing. Over the past several years he has treated middle aged and older adults for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, PTSD, intermittent explosive disorder, relationship difficulties, loss/bereavement, and has provided end of life counseling. He has treated victims of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, bipolar I and II, those with personality disorders (borderline, narcissistic, dependent personality), and has provided court-ordered psychotherapy to career felons. While Dr Miller employs theoretical models and therapies appropriate to the task at hand (psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, exposure, person-centered, and existential, therapies) he believes the dominant determinant of success in any therapy is the robustness of the therapeutic alliance (the working alliance) and its foundation in Rogerian unconditional positive regard for the patient or client.

Elena Bagourdi

Elena Bagourdi

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Elena Bagourdi

Dr. Bagourdi (PSY 22542) is a Licensed Clinical & Health Psychologist, with expertise in Geropsychology, Chronic Illness and Addiction Counseling. She is the founder and Executive Director of Elderly Behavioral Wellness Services - EBWS, and also holds the position of Clinical Director for the Graduate Training Program at EBWS. She specializes in the treatment of Older Adults, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, and Personality Disorders, and has been working with individuals and their families since 1998. As a leader and a mentor, she enjoys training future mental health professionals in Evidence-Based practices and teaching them how to have an impact in their respective communities, constantly expanding their circles of influence. As a mental health consultant for various Long-Term Care facilities, she delivers psycho-educational workshops and presentations, aimed at providing state-of-the-art training to their staff and health professionals.

Dr. Bagourdi holds a PhD in Clinical/Health Psychology and a Masters in Organizational & Economic Psychology. She has also collaborated extensively with non-profit organizations in Greece and co-led the World Health Organization (WHO)'s "mhGAP" pilot project in Greece on behalf of EPAPSY, a local non-profit organization. She also maintains a successful private practice as a psychotherapist. 

 

Emi Iijima

Emi Iijima

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Emi Iijima

Dr. Iijima (PSY 26001) is the Training Director at EBWS. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical/Health Psychology from Alliant International University.

 

She has received training in a variety of settings including partial hospitalization programs for chronically mentally ill adults, rehabilitation centers and convalescent hospitals, and various community clinics specializing in children and families. Dr. Iijima speaks English and Japanese and has been serving a multi-racial and multi-cultural population.

 

She works with individuals who experience Loss and Grief, have a history of Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, health concerns, aging-related issues, and cultural/immigration conflict. She provides individual psychotherapy for seniors at residential facilities (Independent & Assisted Living Facilities).

 

She also enjoys working with young adults and middle-aged adults in private practice. Her work is primarily conceptualized from a psychodynamic and humanistic framework, and she also utilizes cognitive-behavioral intervention and positive psychology intervention.
 

Jacob Adal

Jacob Adal

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Jacob Adal

Dr. Adal holds a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Adal had opportunities working in various settings, such as: schools, outpatient community mental health agencies, and treatment centers. Dr. Adal’s clinical experience includes individual, family, and group therapy. He has had the privilege of working with clientele across various age ranges, cultural backgrounds, and diagnoses, such as: Anxiety, Depression, Substance Use Addiction, Trauma, and Bipolar Disorder.

 

Dr. Adal utilizes evidence based therapies, such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and Relapse Prevention Therapy. Dr. Adal also incorporates mindfulness techniques in his treatment. Dr. Adal’s approach to therapy encompasses a warm and compassionate style while still therapeutically challenging clients to elicit internal motivation and change.

Roya Nouri, MA, PsyD

Dr Roya Nouri, MA, PsyD

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Roya Nouri

Dr. Roya Nouri has a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. In addition to her advanced degree, Dr. Roya is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, recognizing the importance of incorporating comprehensive approaches to mental health.

Dr. Roya employs evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family System, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. These approaches, rooted in empirical research, allow her to provide tailored and effective interventions for her clients.

Dr. Roya is dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and understanding, acknowledging the unique cultural backgrounds of individuals under her care. Her commitment to reaching diverse audiences is exemplified by the publication of two parenting books in Farsi.

Dr. Roya has worked with individuals facing diverse challenges, including PTSD, addiction, physical disabilities, depression, and anxiety. Her extensive professional background equips her with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of various mental health concerns.