Clinical Operations Manager & Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY35580)

Dr. Hettinger is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health. She brings extensive expertise in both direct clinical care and clinical leadership, and currently serves as Clinical Operations Manager at Tiny Steps.

Dr. Hettinger specializes in the assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. She works with individuals across the lifespan, from young children to adults, and is known for a collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based approach.

Her integrative therapeutic style incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed strategies, Somatic work, Mindfulness-Based techniques, Trauma-Informed Care, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Systems, and Parent Coaching. Dr. Hettinger supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, and life transitions.

Dr. Hettinger earned her Doctorate in Psychology from California Southern University and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Florida State University. With a strong foundation in family dynamics and individualized treatment planning, she is passionate about creating personalized care plans that support meaningful growth and long-term well-being.

Clinical Operations Manager & Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY35580) Dr. Hettinger is a L... Read More

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 153656 Discover the transformative approach of Chiara Borghetti, an adept Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT #153656. Chiara earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Inspired by the profound impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her own life as a young teen, Chiara brings a personal commitment to the efficacy of therapeutic work.

With clinical experience at Antioch University’s Main Clinic and their School-Based Program at Da Vinci Connect K-12 School in El Segundo, Chiara has cultivated diverse expertise working with clients across the age spectrum, addressing concerns such as OCD, Depression and various Anxiety Disorders. Chiara’s therapeutic approach is holistic and collaborative, creating an empathetic environment where clients feel fully seen and supported. Integrating Client-Centered techniques with Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative and Somatic interventions, Chiara believes in fostering positive change through a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and positive transformation with Chiara, where personalized and collaborative psychotherapy await. Experience the power of a therapeutic relationship that empowers lasting change.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 153656 Discover the transformative approach of Chiara Borg... Read More

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #160248

Leeza Arbiv is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who offers a warm, collaborative, and grounded approach to therapy. Leeza earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and now works under the expert supervision of Dr. Neda Safvati, PsyD. She works with individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, young adults, and parents, providing a safe and supportive environment for all clients navigating life’s many challenges.

Leeza’s integrative approach blends attachment-based and psychodynamic therapy with tools from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and somatic practices. Her training emphasizes relational depth, cultural sensitivity, and integrative client-centered care. She supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and emotional regulation, tailoring interventions to each individual’s needs.

Before entering the therapist career, Leeza supported young people as a nanny, summer camp counselor, and distance educator during the COVID-19 pandemic. These formative roles enhanced her ability to connect authentically with children and teens, reinforcing her commitment to providing consistent support and understanding as a therapist.

Outside of therapy, Leeza enjoys nature, cooking, music, and art, and enjoys thoughtfully incorporating her creativity and mindfulness into her work. She believes healing is fostered through connection, authentic expression, and being truly seen.

Leeza looks forward to supporting you in your growth and healing.

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #160248 Leeza Arbiv is an Associate Marriage and Family ... Read More

Registered Psychological Associate #94029196

Meet Irene Akther, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Mount St. Mary’s University. Irene works under the direct supervision of seasoned professionals, Heather Hettinger, Psy.D. #PSY35580 and Neda Safvati, Psy.D. #PSY25346.

With clinical experience in community mental health, residential treatment, and private practice, Irene has supported clients across the lifespan—from adolescents to older adults. She works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions, identity development, and relationship challenges.

Irene believes that clients are the best authors of their own lives. Her role as a therapist is to offer warmth, curiosity, and collaboration, while also gently challenging clients to recognize their resilience and capacity for change. She integrates a humanistic foundation with evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Through this integrative style, she helps clients embrace authenticity, build resilience, and break free from patterns that no longer serve them.

As a South Asian therapist, Irene is especially passionate about reducing cultural stigma around mental health. She empowers women to move beyond traditional expectations, embrace independence, and build self-confidence. Her goal is to help every client align their choices with their values, navigate uncertainty, and move toward meaningful growth and self-actualization. Dedicated to her ongoing development as a clinician, Irene is committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and empowering space where clients feel understood, supported, and capable of lasting change.

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Registered Psychological Associate #94029203

Meet Erin Khodaverdin, a clinical psychology doctoral student dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care. Erin holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is currently pursuing her Psy.D., combining advanced academic training with hands-on clinical experience in therapy and psychological assessment. Erin works under the direct supervision of seasoned professionals, Azeen Nafisi, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY34508 and Neda Safvati, Psy.D. #PSY25346.

Erin’s clinical background spans mental health counseling, couples therapy, addiction recovery, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with children on the autism spectrum. With over two years of experience in ABA and extensive work across developmental stages, she is skilled at tailoring her therapeutic approach to meet each client’s unique needs.

Her integrative, multidisciplinary style draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices within a client-centered framework. Erin also emphasizes the role of the body in healing, incorporating somatic awareness to help clients regulate emotions, restore balance, and build resilience. Her areas of clinical focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and neurodiversity.

As a first-generation Armenian American, Erin is passionate about reducing stigma around mental health and normalizing therapy within diverse communities. She has volunteered as a Psychological First Aid provider during the Los Angeles fires and organized community events promoting autism awareness. Currently, she is developing her doctoral dissertation on how acculturation influences parenting behaviors among Armenian American parents of autistic children.

Above all, Erin is committed to empowering clients from all backgrounds to access quality mental health care, strengthen their well-being, and move toward healing in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Registered Psychological Associate #94029203 Meet Erin Khodaverdin, a clinical psychology doctor... Read More

Registered Psychological Associate #94029205

Meet Lauren Ziyaaein, a therapist-in-training and a doctoral student pursuing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. Lauren works under the direct supervision of seasoned professionals, Azeen Nafisi, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY34508 and Neda Safvati, Psy.D. #PSY25346.

Lauren began her clinical journey in an Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Program (IOP/PHP) for adolescents, where she supported teens ages 12–18 and their families through both in-person and Telehealth sessions. She has experience working with clients from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and gender-identity backgrounds on challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, neurodivergence, and major life transitions. In addition to individual therapy, she has facilitated group therapy sessions designed to build coping skills and strengthen peer connection.

Drawing from a multidisciplinary approach, Lauren integrates evidence-based strategies within a collaborative, person-centered framework. She strives to create a safe, affirming environment where clients can explore their identities, cultivate resilience, and develop effective coping tools. She often incorporates mindfulness and body-based practices to support regulation of the nervous system and reduce distress.

As a second-generation Persian Moroccan American, Lauren is deeply committed to reducing stigma around mental health and increasing access to care in diverse communities. She is especially passionate about empowering clients to embrace their identities, achieve personal goals, and enhance their overall quality of life. Alongside her clinical training, Lauren is developing her doctoral dissertation exploring the intersections of Jewish identity, gender identity, and birth order—and their influence on individual identity and life satisfaction.

Registered Psychological Associate #94029205 Meet Lauren Ziyaaein, a therapist-in-training and a... Read More

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 148489

Meet Paige, an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist with a passion for mental health that began during her time as an office manager at Tiny Steps. This passion drove her to return to school and pursue a career as a clinician. Under the expert supervision of, Stephanie Unson, LMFT #132817 and Neda Safvati, PsyD. #PSY25346, Paige is dedicated to creating a safe and empathetic space for her clients.

Paige’s therapeutic approach is centered on understanding and healing attachment styles, improving emotional regulation, and fostering deeper connections in relationships. She provides tailored interventions that guide individuals and couples towards overcoming past wounds and cultivating more fulfilling, resilient relationships. With a strong foundation in Client-Centered Therapy, CRM (Comprehensive Resource Model), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Attachment Theory, Paige continually updates her knowledge to ensure her clients benefit from the latest therapeutic techniques.

While Paige specializes in couples therapy, her diverse clinical practice extends to individuals and families, including children from school-age to teens. She addresses a wide range of challenges such as Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Grief, Neurodivergence, Relationship Dynamics (including polyamory and consensual non-monogamy), Sexual Stressors, Parenting Skills, and Anger Management. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Paige is committed to inclusivity and identity-affirming practices in all aspects of her work.

Begin your transformative journey with Paige today and take the first step towards holistic well-being and empowerment.

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 148489 Meet Paige, an Associate Marriage & Family Th... Read More

Brian Song, AMFT #158319

Begin your path to healing and personal growth with Brian Song, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). Brian believes change is always possible and offers a steady, compassionate presence where clients feel heard and supported.

Brian earned his Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and his Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. He works under the direct supervision of seasoned professionals, Stephanie Unson, LMFT #132817, and Neda Safvati, PsyD #PSY25346. He has experience with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, specializing in emotional regulation, family transitions, anxiety, behavioral concerns, couples’ issues, and depression. He collaborates with parents to create supportive home environments and helps individuals build practical tools for renewed meaning.

Brian values each client’s unique identity and considers cultural, generational, and systemic influences in therapy. Brian also supports clients facing religious trauma and faith transitions, approaching these issues with sensitivity and respect. He integrates CBT, EFT, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and attachment-based perspectives within a trauma-informed framework.

As a father and someone who began a new professional chapter later in life, Brian brings both lived experience and renewed passion into the therapy room. He understands the courage it takes to begin something new and is ready to walk alongside you as you move toward healing, connection, and wholeness.

Brian Song, AMFT #158319 Begin your path to healing and personal growth with Brian Song, Associa... Read More

Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY 34508 Meet Dr. Nafisi, a dedicated Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in assessment and individual therapy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA, a Master’s degree in psychology from Cal State University, Northridge, and both Master’s and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University.

With a rich background spanning community mental health, college counseling, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and private practice, Dr. Nafisi is committed to fostering social justice in her work. She prioritizes a warm, personable approach, ensuring individuals feel genuinely supported as they navigate their mental health journey- working with Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Adjustment Related Issues, Communication Challenges and Relationship Skill Building.

Utilizing an Integrative and Strengths-Based therapeutic approach, Dr. Nafisi draws from Interpersonal Relational Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered modalities and Mindfulness to facilitate personal growth and foster meaningful relationships.

Embark on your path to self-discovery and transformation alongside Dr. Nafisi.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY 34508 Meet Dr. Nafisi, a dedicated Licensed Clinical Psycholog... Read More

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 152283 Embark on a transformative journey with the guidance of Alexandra Felix, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT #152283. Alex is a second-generation Mexican American who comes from a long line of strong, resilient beings. She is the first woman in her family to earn a college degree, achieving her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton in Psychology and her Master’s degree from Antioch University, Los Angeles in Clinical Psychology.

Alex has experience working with a diverse group of individuals including children, adolescents, families, adults and couples. Through Antioch University Counseling Center’s School-Based Program, Alex worked with adolescents who were struggling to meet the demands of the ever-evolving world. Her strengths in working with children and adolescents reside in cultivating autonomy, healthy boundaries and self-worth. With all clients, Alex believes in fostering empowerment, self-compassion and growth.

Alex’s work consists of a balance between pragmatic approaches and creative in-depth approaches. Through a Mind + Body lens, Alex draws from Cognitive Behavioral and Somatic-based approaches to help her clients develop the skills and insight they need to relieve Stress, Anxiety and Depression. To explore the much deeper depths of the self, Alex utilizes an integrated approach of Narrative Therapy and Attachment-Based interventions to help individuals heal abandonment wounds and learn how to form more positive relationships with themselves and others.

One of the most integral aspects of Alex’s work is to wholeheartedly see each individual’s multifaceted identity. Everything from Gender Identity to Sexual Orientation, Racial Identity, Ableism and beyond is explored to help every client find resolution in places that have been wounded for so long. A new beginning is here and Alex is ready to welcome you into the space of opportunity.

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 152283 Embark on a transformative journey with the guidan... Read More

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #153801

Meet Parker Stateman, AMFT (#153801) — a warm, integrative therapist who supports individuals in reconnecting with themselves by exploring the past, grounding in the present, and opening to future possibilities. Her dynamic, relational approach is especially attuned to those who’ve felt like “outsiders” due to their identities, needs, or ways of being. Parker works under the expert supervision of, Azeen Nafisi, PsyD. #PSY34508 and Neda Safvati, PsyD. #PSY25346.

Parker draws from Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic, and Existential Therapy, while integrating practical tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT). She also offers Creative and Somatic Modalities—including Therapeutic Writing, Parts Work, Bibliotherapy, and Expressive Arts—for clients who process through imagination, movement, or nonverbal expression. Her work is identity-affirming and grounded in Narrative and Postmodern Therapy.

She specializes in Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy, working with late-diagnosed adults, neurodiverse couples, and parents of neurodivergent kids and teens. Common themes include Executive Dysfunction, Masking, Sensory Sensitivity, Giftedness, Burnout, and relationship challenges around Communication, Intimacy, and Social Anxiety.

Parker holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles and a B.A. from Loyola Marymount University. She trained at Antioch Community Therapy Services (ACTS) and began her clinical work as a Crisis Counselor at the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, building a foundation in culturally-responsive, trauma-informed care.

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #153801 Meet Parker Stateman, AMFT (#153801) — a warm, i... Read More

Tiny Steps Founder/Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY 25346

Meet Dr. Safvati, a distinguished Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in California and Ontario, Canada, and the visionary founder of Tiny Steps Developmental Services established in 2016. Committed to fostering positive change, Dr. Safvati has dedicated her career to providing a secure haven for children, adults, and families seeking transformative improvements in their lives.

Boasting extensive expertise in psychotherapy and assessments for both children and adults, Dr. Safvati’s impact extends beyond clinical practice. As a Mental Health Services Act Fellow for Los Angeles County, she has earned accolades for her outstanding contributions to the community.

Dr. Safvati is a certified practitioner of several Evidenced-Based Practices, including Child Parent Psychotherapy, Positive Parenting Program, Managing and Adapting Practices, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Her commitment to excellence is evident in her nationwide presentations on topics such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Psychodiagnostic Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Join Dr. Safvati on a journey towards positive transformation and well-being.

Tiny Steps Founder/Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY 25346 Meet Dr. Safvati, a distinguished Li... Read More

Meet Stephanie Unson, a highly skilled Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist dedicated to fostering positive change. Stephanie holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy & Art Therapy) from Phillips Graduate Institute and is on the path to becoming a Certified Play Therapist. She also serves as the primary supervisor for our therapists Brian Song, AMFT, and Paige Lauren-Taylor, AMFT.

With broad clinical experience covering the developmental life span, from school-aged children to older adults, Stephanie has thrived in diverse settings, including schools, residential facilities, and outpatient care. Stephanie brings a Strengths-Based, Person-Centered approach to her practice, integrating therapeutic modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, Art Therapy and Play Therapy. Her goal is to empower clients to find their voice and become their best selves.

Embark on a transformative journey with Stephanie, where creativity and therapeutic expertise converge to inspire growth and well-being. Experience a personalized approach that honors your unique journey and aspirations.

Meet Stephanie Unson, a highly skilled Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art ... Read More