Nahal C Kaivan

Many of my clients relate to the experience of feeling “othered”, different or as existing outside of culturally-constructed margins. In our increasingly isolationist world, feeling different or other is becoming a common experience. While many things may remind us of our difference, or “non-normativity”, in therapy I aim to collaboratively uncover and identify the worth and purpose that I believe exist in all humxn beings. I believe that all concerns, struggles, challenges, curiosities and explorations brought to therapy are related to relationships–the relationship we have with ourselves and other people. Often, clients express a need for deep connection and goals involve enhancing relationships, identifying emotions, coping more effectively with emotions, and nourishing self-worth and confidence. Research on therapeutic effectiveness has repeatedly demonstrated that therapeutic relationship is the principle determinant of positive therapeutic outcome. Thus, when I first meet client