Arian Talwerdi
Arian Talwerdi (she/her)
Clinical Counselling
I am a passionate Registered Clinical Counsellor, Teacher, and Workshop Facilitator. I have my Master of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, California. I also have a decade of work experience in corporate marketing planning the launch of major national campaigns and have taught graduate-level psychology courses at Pepperdine University.
I work with:
- Professionals who are burned out
- Youth or adults with anxiety
- Youth with behavioral issues
- Adults and/or youth with self-esteem issues
- Immigrant populations and bridging the gap
- Those with chronic pain
I help you to create your own custom-made toolbox to keep you prepared for emotional triggers and obstacles that may cross your path. I believe in a holistic and client-centered approach, and that there is no one-size-fits-all in counselling. This is why I really value and empathize with the context that has brought us each to our journey and beyond.
I have done extensive research on mindfulness meditation and its positive effects on the biology of the brain and am continually advancing my knowledge and education in the field.
I am fluent in Farsi and work with clients from many backgrounds.
I offer a free 20-minute consultation to provide insights into how the Dragonfly Team can build a customized program to support you. Add me to your Wellness Plan Team!
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.
- Helen Keller
Get To Know Arian
01
Tell us about yourself as a person and as a mental health professional.
As a person, I am passionate about the causes that are near to my heart. I am a constant learner and love to expand my knowledge in the field of psychology, neuroscience, and how the brain works. I am also passionate about education. As someone who is also from another country, I'm interested in working with immigrant populations. I've worked as a professor and now as a school counsellor. I think our students are our future. I am usually told that I'm empathetic, easy to talk to, and provide a non-judgemental space.
02
What drew you to this work?
I was teaching youth part time and I've always been interested in being an educator, and then with my background as a mental health professional it made sense to bring the two together. I get a chance to educate, but just not in the classroom. It's very satisfying and rewarding to support youth at such a delicate and impressionable age. During my own youth, I felt very alone and didn't know where I could turn where I wouldn't be judged. I love that I get to give that understanding and support to others.
03
What is the hardest thing about specializing with youth?
I found that when you're really passionate, sometimes it's hard to turn it off. Even in my spare time, my time goes in to research and resourcing to support my clients. I have to be really careful to balance my free time with other things.
04
What do you love most about your job?
It's that moment where a client has a breakthrough. It's such an honour to be a part of that human experience. Our brains are so complex with trauma mixed in with our life experiences. To be able to sit with another human that trusts you and be with them on the journey, that's the best part of the job.
05
What is the one thing about youth issues that most people don't know?
I think sometimes we forget that the brain is still developing until 25, so sometimes it's easy to take things personally, or maybe as a parent, feeling unappreciated, when sometimes it's simply that their brains are not developed. Sometimes it seems young peoples' actions are off-beat or not what you expect, but it's part of the developmental process when their executive function is not fully formed.
06
What would you say to someone who has a youth in their life who needs help?
If the youth is resistant to professional help, they may need you to sit with them. Sit with them through something and provide a safe space that is not judgmental. A lot of time they just need that compassion amongst all the hormones and the pressures. It's tricky when you mandate someone into counselling, because the person has to be willing and invested. This generation really needs autonomy and feel like they have a voice in the room, so you can work with that. Give them the autonomy to shop around a little bit and pick the therapist that they click with.
The Dragonfly community awaits you
Joining our community means having access to first-rate therapists and coaches, hundreds of expert-vetted courses and workshops in our Dragonfly Resource Centre, and safe, judgment-free groups where you can bond with kindred individuals and heal together. See just how much we take your mental health seriously by filling out the contact form below.
