Meet our Team
Behzad Bernous, Psy.D.
President / Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY27821
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Dr. Behzad Bernous is a Licensed clinical psychologist, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Certified Life Coach (LC) practicing in Southern California.
He was a professor of psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and National University for several years. He is the president of the Bernous Psychological Services in Newport Beach, CA. Dr. Bernous also specializes in psychological testing and evaluation and conducts testing and evaluations such as: memory and cognitive assessments, intellectual and academic abilities assessments and many more for variety of sources including forensic evaluation for courts, fitness for duty, Immigration evaluations, and Department of Defense (DOD) evaluations. Dr. Bernous' extensive knowledge and experience in psychology and art (photojournalist for more than 15 years) enables him to be an avid observer, a good listener, as well as a creative solution finder. Dr. Bernous is among the leading psychologists utilizing Photo-Therapy in his practice which is an innovative use of photography to reduce mental health symptoms. You can find out more about Photo-Therapy by visiting our services page. Dr. Bernous' theoretical approach in therapy is psychodynamic, which involves the various forces of the mind that are in motion. This approach considers different psychological factors as having effects on an individual's life. These factors could be known or unknown to us. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to make us aware of unknown thoughts, feelings, and desires. This way, we can develop new ways of thinking about ourselves and new ways of relating to others, while learning to be more flexible in dealing with our problems. This method of therapy allows for a new aspect of our personality to grow; in other words, it allows us to become the best person we could be. Dr. Bernous provides therapy both in English and Farsi. |
You can follow Dr. Bernous on social media, or send him an email by clicking the links below.
Alexandre Kargar, Psy.D.
Certified Life Coach
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Dr. Alexandre Kargar has a doctorate in Clinical psychology and is currently working as a life coach. He has a teaching background in clinical psychology. He has worked as a therapist and life coach with a variety of emotional, cognitive and conduct disordered children and adults in a multi-cultural background. His expertise is working with couples, parenting, and family management.
Dr. Kargar provided life coaching in English, French, and Farsi. |
Ariana Ahani, Psy.D.
Psychological Associate PSB94025821
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Dr. Ariana Ahani is a psychological associate currently working under the supervision of Dr. Bernous. Dr. Ariana received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in general psychology and her doctoral degree in clinical psychology. She conducts psychotherapy with individuals suffering from addiction, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. She also works with immigrants facing acculturation problems as well as individuals seeking personal growth.
Dr. Ariana provides a safe, respectful, and growing space for her clients to build inner strength in facing difficulties and find meaning in life. Dr. Ariana believes that a human’s true wealth is the ability to fully experience life, which is the cornerstone of her approach to help her clients live life to the fullest. Dr. Ariana provides therapy both in English and Farsi. |
Soheila Norolouni, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT132196
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Soheila Norolouni a licensed marriage and family therapist with seven years of experience treating individuals, couples and families to overcome and manage their daily stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, behavioral issues, relational distress, anger, compulsiveness, complex grief, unresolved past trauma, attachment wounds and other mental health and behavioral challenges.
Soheila's approach in therapy is to be present as a healthy attachment figure for the wounded and detached individual who feels left out and isolated in this world. By listening empathically and taking a nonjudgmental stance, she provides a trusting environment for clients to feel safe and comfortable to share their inner struggles. Soheila moves with client’s pace and will work with what they bring into the session. Soheila admires people who seek therapy for the purpose of gaining insight into their relational issues with self and others. They choose to embrace vulnerability and work steadily to reach their goals. Despite the discomfort and ambiguity of the process, they stay focused on their intention of creating a healthier life. Soheila believes that not every modality works for all. By catering to each client’s specific needs, Soheila utilizes the appropriate approach in order to help them move past their struggles and to gain a sense of strength to fulfill their mental health needs. Soheila provides therapy both in English and Farsi. |
Fariba (Faye) Hezar, Psy.D.
Psychological Associate PSB94027820
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Dr. Fariba (Faye) Hezar has a doctorate in clinical psychology and is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Bernous as a Registered Psychological Associate.
Her clinical experience includes working with adults, families, and couples in both private practice and community mental health centers. Dr. Hezar believes that a human’s true wealth is the ability to fully experience life, which is the cornerstone of her approach to help her clients live life to the fullest. Dr. Hezar’s goal is to provides a safe, respectful, and growing space for her clients to build the inner strength needed to address the root cause of their difficulties so they can experience fulfilling relationships. She can also assist clients in finding balance, dealing with uncertainty, and developing healthy perspectives. Dr. Hezar utilizes various types of therapeutic principles, methods, and techniques to help clients resolve emotional conflicts and issues including but not limited to humanistic approach and cognitive behavior. Dr. Hezar provides therapy both in English and Farsi. |
Niki Ghavam, MA, AMFT
Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, AMFT 142367
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Niki Ghavam is a marriage, couple, and family therapist associate currently working under the supervision of Dr. Bernous. Niki earned her bachelor's degree in general psychology and her master's in marriage, couple, and family therapy. She conducts psychotherapy to help individuals, couples, and families identify and address various issues ranging from trauma, anxiety, depression, mood and behavior disorders to substance/addiction disorders. Niki has additional training in Gottman's Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2) and Trauma-Focused CBT.
Niki provides a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative space for her clients to feel heard, understood, and supported in making positive changes, building healthier connections, and navigating the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Niki's approach is based on the premise that self-knowledge and self-awareness are the most powerful means of self-improvement. She helps clients gain awareness and build inner strength to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve communication, and nurture satisfying relationships. Niki provides therapy both in English and Farsi. |
Lindsay Major, MA, AMFT
Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, AMFT 142852
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Lindsay Major is an associate marriage, couple, and family therapist currently working under the supervision of Dr. Bernous. With a bachelor's degree in general psychology and a master's degree in marriage, couple, and family therapy.
Lindsay conducts psychotherapy to assist individuals, couples, and families in addressing a spectrum of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, mood and behavior disorders, and substance/addiction disorders. She has received specialized training in Gottman's Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2) and Trauma-Focused CBT. Lindsay also has experience with providing reunification services and family therapy with a focus on strengthening familial bonds. Lindsay is also pursuing her doctoral degree in marriage, couple, and family therapy. In her practice, Lindsay cultivates a secure, accepting, and cooperative atmosphere where clients are encouraged to express themselves freely. She holds the belief that individuals are generally striving to do their best, yet may find themselves feeling stuck due to various factors. Lindsay is committed to aiding individuals in navigating through their pain and discovering how to not only endure life but also flourish. At the heart of Lindsay's therapeutic approach lies a firm belief in the transformative potential of self-understanding and self-compassion. She assists clients in nurturing mindfulness and resilience, achieving their goals, enriching their relationships, and feeling empowered to make changes for the better. Lindsay provides Online therapy sessions in English. |
Toranj Tourchian
Front Office
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Toranj Tourchian is a student in psychology major who is pursuing her love for assisting others in our workplace.
Toranj is responsible for running the front desk and helping our clients and medical professionals. She has the soul of an artist and appreciates the beauty in everything. Toranj is a fluent Farsi and English speaker. |