Culturally Sensitive Therapy

John has extensive education and clinical experience working with diverse populations.

Well versed in multiple cultural contexts. Place client culture center to interventions. Receptive and Open to feedback.

As a second-generation Arab American and child of immigrants, I understand the richness and beauty that being part of a collectivistic culture can provide. Yet I am also aware of the issues that can arise in trying to forge your own identity and create fulfilling relationships while embracing the most meaningful aspects of your culture. I love working with children of immigrants trying to navigate intergenerational family dynamics or cultural conflicts in a way that feels best for you.

Culture informs how we view and understand our values and others around us. It's important to integrate that into therapy, as well as for me to respect and understand your perspective.

I am deeply committed to offering culturally sensitive therapy to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. I have extensive training in working with marginalized communities. My approach is rooted in understanding the impact of culture, identity, and systemic barriers on mental health. I tailor my therapeutic interventions to honor each client’s unique cultural experiences, ensuring they feel seen, respected, and understood.

I think it will be most meaningful to include a real patient review: “Dr. Ambardar has tremendous insight into personal & collective trauma & the impact of ancestral trauma on a person's life. It is not often you come across a professional who has an in-depth understanding of collective trauma & its impact on an individual's life. Her work & her insights have been supportive in my own healing journey. I highly recommend anyone wanting to connect with their ancestral histories to work with Dr. A"

Personal life experience and 6 years professional experience

Therapists should understand their client’s cultural background well enough to be able to tailor their approach accordingly.

I use a culturally sensitive lens to allow clients to be the experts in their own lives, as coming from a place of non-judgement and understanding.

Well-researched treatments aren't enough. Your therapist requires the right attitude for diversity-affirmative care. I make an effort to practice cultural humility, which is a lifelong commitment to learning and respecting clients' identities and experiences. Labels don't help here - I try to neither over-inflate nor under-estimate the role of your identity in your life. I work to foster safety, trust, transparency, collaboration, and empowerment.

Sharing some of the most vulnerable parts of ourselves can feel high-risk, especially if you've experienced dismissal and shame for those experiences. Cultural sensitivity, therefore, is a must so that therapy feels safe and conducive to healing. Recognizing and respecting your unique histories, values, and cultural and familial norms validates and affirms your lived experience. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, therapy is highly tailored and modified to be inclusive.

We strive to provide culturally responsive and affirming services that are sensitive to the unique needs and challenges faced by marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and to gender, sexuality or relationship minorities. In our clinical work, we utilize an intersectional, culturally-grounded approach to understand dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression that have shaped our clients identities and lived experiences.

My life is immersed in alternative and marginalized communities, and I seek regular trainings in cultural sensitivity.

My experience spans personal and professional realms. Every interaction is a cultural interaction, and that is the foundation of my work with clients. I have specific training via supervised practice as well as academic training. I also completed a post-doctoral specialization in sexual health and gender. This has involved my own personal work, learning/unlearning, and growth in regard to my own areas of privilege and marginalization.

To be culturally sensitive is to practice cultural humility with respect and genuine interest. I love learning about the many different cultures and subcultures of people I meet, including my clients, but I do not expect my clients to have to explain who they are or where they come from. I offer a safe space to be vulnerable and to share experiences, feelings, hopes, and dreams for people from all backgrounds and identities.

Each person on staff receives training in this area multiple times a year. Culture sensitivity is also part of our mission.

I strive to let my client lead on what it means to be culturally aware in our practice. This includes using language, words, behaviors, and actions that feel important to respect your culture and orientation. I will always ask first before I assume. I believe all facets of ones identity, lifestyle, history, and experience in the world are valuable to understanding ones full potential to thrive and be well. It is important to me that your whole person is validated and seen in our work together.

We are a diverse group of therapists, social workers, and counselors from various walks of life. Our collective experiences enable us to offer telemental health online therapy services and individualized treatment in a kind and compassionate manner.

As a bicultural/bilingual therapist, I am attuned to the profound impact of my clients‘ cultural background on their communication.

I have studied at the Multicultural Family Institute, the Ackerman Institute for the family, and the Eikenberg Academy for Social Justice following the teachings of leaders in culturallly sensitive therapy such as Kenneth V. Hardy, Monica McGoldrick, Nydia Garcia Prieto, thandiwe Dee Watts Jones, and Resmaa Menakem. I continue to develop and deepen my ability to practice culturally sensitive therapy through ongoing practice, supervision and training.