Ani Khodaverdian, MA, JD
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist – AMFT 153430
Supervised by Monica Valdivia Aguilar Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 41352)
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Hello and welcome! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at the Institute for Girls’ Development and Flourish Therapy + Wellness Center, a division that serves clients of all ages and genders. I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families in building the skills needed to thrive, with a focus on tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs.
My passion for human rights, diversity, and cultural identity informs my approach, as I honor each client’s distinct background and worldview. I earned a B.A. in Philosophy from UCLA, where I developed a deep interest in the human psyche and the human condition. After obtaining my Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School, I practiced entertainment and intellectual property law before volunteering as a human rights attorney in Armenia during the Velvet Revolution. This pivotal experience led me to pursue a more meaningful path in therapy, earning my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
My approach as a therapist is rooted in compassion and the belief that, given the right supports and resources, all people can heal and become their best selves. I draw predominantly from person-centered, existential, systems-based, and cognitive-behavioral therapies, bringing warmth and a nonjudgmental presence to my work with clients. My goal is to help individuals reconnect with their authentic selves, heal emotional wounds, and break free from limiting beliefs, empowering them to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
I have clinical experience working with underprivileged youth and families at PUC Inspire Charter Academy in Pacoima, supporting children, teens, and tweens facing diverse mental health challenges. This experience deepened my commitment to creating accessible, compassionate care for underserved communities.
I also have extensive experience in helping families repair parent-child relationships, rebuild trust, and create a renewed sense of love and safety. My work focuses on improving communication, fostering emotional safety, and strengthening self-regulation skills to build happier, healthier family dynamics.
As an immigrant—born in Sweden to Armenian parents from Tehran and later moving to the U.S.—I understand the complexities of navigating cultural differences, balancing multiple identities, and seeking belonging. My personal experience as an immigrant and child of immigrants informs my practice, allowing me to approach each client with cultural humility and openness. I am committed to building safe and inclusive spaces for all, advocating for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent populations.
I witnessed my mother’s 18-year battle with Parkinson’s. She was diagnosed when I was 15 and passed away when I was 33. That experience gave me a profound understanding of the far-reaching impact chronic illness has on individuals and their families. I have experienced firsthand the complexities of grief, the toll of caregiving, and the resilience required to navigate loss. This personal journey deeply informs my work with clients facing grief, life transitions, and the lasting effects of chronic illness within families. I approach this work with empathy, clinical insight, and a commitment to helping clients cultivate both strength and a renewed passion for life, even in the face of adversity.
It is a privilege to accompany my clients on their journeys toward self-discovery and healing. I am continually inspired by their resilience and honored to be part of their transformations. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to embrace their authentic selves and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Specialties:
Presenting issues:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-Esteem / Self-Confidence
- Self-Injury and Suicidal Ideation
- Neurodivergence
- ADHD
- Emotional Regulation
- Autism Spectrum
- Perfectionism
- Body Image and Disordered Eating
- Bereavement
- Child of Divorce
- PTSD
- Child Abuse
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Foster System Trauma
- Giftedness
- LGBTQIA+
- Immigration
- Generational/Political/Historical Trauma
Interventions and Approaches:
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma Informed Therapy
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
- Feminist & Systems Approaches
- Psychoeducation
- Mindfulness
- Somatic Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Sand Tray Therapy
- Music Therapy
Other Current Professional Activities:
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) Member
Prior Experience:
Partnerships to Uplift Communities (PUC) Schools, Inspire Charter Academy, MFT Trainee
Education:
- Juris Doctorate, Southwestern Law School
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a minor in Armenian Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
Mission: My mission is to help clients discover their authentic selves, heal from past wounds, and strengthen their relationships with themselves and their families so they can live empowered, purposeful, and fulfilling lives. I am committed to supporting clients in developing healthy habits, life skills, and hardiness—the resilience and adaptability needed to face life’s challenges. I also strive to help clients become strong self-advocates, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Above all, I respect and prioritize each client’s unique values, honoring their cultural background, personal identity, and self-expression.
Email: AKhodaverdian@IFGD.care
Phone: 626-585-8075 ext. 147
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