Ani Avakian

Practicum Student

 Ani Avakian is a student therapist at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles. Ani brings both academic and hands-on research experience, having worked as a Research Assistant at USC and Cal State LA. She contributed to studies on cognitive development and family dynamics, presented at conferences, and assisted with data collection and participant recruitment.

In her clinical work, Ani is passionate about supporting individuals and families in navigating life’s challenges with compassion and care. Her areas of interest include identity development, anxiety, stress management, and family relationships. She takes a Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, combining empathy and authenticity with practical, evidence-based strategies. Ani integrates CBT tools such as cognitive restructuring and skill-building with Humanistic principles of unconditional positive regard, personal growth, and self-awareness. She believes therapy is a collaborative journey, empowering clients to challenge unhelpful thought patterns, discover their strengths, and cultivate lasting emotional well-being.

Ani's reminder to you: "This too shall pass; the way you’re feeling now won’t last. Whether you’re at peace or feeling blue things will move, they always do."