Negar Sarshar Toobi, LMFT

Many of the struggles we face in adulthood don’t begin where they seem to. The ways we relate to ourselves and others are often shaped by earlier experiences, relationships, and the ways we learned to feel safe, connected, or accepted. These patterns may have served an important purpose at one time, but they can later leave us feeling disconnected, self-critical, or repeating dynamics we no longer want.

 

People often come to therapy because something in their life no longer feels sustainable. Maybe anxiety has become overwhelming, relationships feel stuck in familiar patterns, or a major life transition has brought unexpected emotions to the surface. Becoming a parent, changing careers, navigating loss, or experiencing shifts in important relationships can all stir up parts of ourselves we thought we had already figured out. While these experiences can feel confusing or discouraging, I believe they also offer an opportunity to better understand yourself and create lasting change.

 

My approach is rooted in the belief that meaningful change comes through understanding, not judgment. Together, we’ll explore the underlying patterns that contribute to your distress, helping you make sense of your experiences with greater clarity and compassion. As these patterns become more conscious, they often become less automatic, creating space to respond in new ways and build relationships that feel more authentic, secure, and fulfilling.

 

I strive to create a therapeutic space that feels warm, engaged, and collaborative. I take an active role in therapy by asking thoughtful questions, making connections, and helping identify themes that may not yet be fully visible. While insight is an important part of the work, I also believe it becomes most meaningful when it leads to lasting emotional and relational change.

 

My hope is that therapy provides a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move toward a life that feels more connected and aligned with who you are.

 

My Background

 

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing psychotherapy to adults throughout California. I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2013 and have received advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and Attachment-Focused EMDR through the Parnell Institute.

 

Before entering private practice, I worked in a variety of clinical settings, including The Maple Counseling Center. I have also taught psychology as an adjunct professor at the University of the West. These experiences have shaped my integrative, relational approach to therapy and continue to inform the work I do with clients today.