Psychology & Counseling
Sepideh Sobhani
“A place to return to yourself.”
A psychotherapist working with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, and Schema Therapy — here to help you feel heard, understand yourself, and build healthier relationships.
Officially licensed by Iran's Psychology & Counseling Organization
Explore by Topic
Therapeutic Approach
My clinical work combines evidence-based approaches — ACT, CBT, and Schema Therapy — with a human, non-judgmental lens informed by neuroscience.
More about me and my approach →Services
Individual Consultation
Individual counseling sessions offer a safe, non-judgmental space to work through anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, and personal challenges — using ACT, CBT, and Schema Therapy approaches, available online or in person.
Online / In-person
Couples Consultation
Couples therapy offers a professional, neutral space to improve communication, resolve recurring conflicts, rebuild trust, and strengthen intimacy — using approaches grounded in Gottman's research, ACT, and CBT.
Online / In-person
Latest Content
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is more than an unpleasant feeling — it's a language the body and mind use to signal warning. This article examines the symptoms of anxiety, why it forms according to cognitive-behavioral theory, and 5 practical, evidence-based strategies for coping with it.
Building Self-Esteem
Healthy self-esteem isn't built overnight, but it can be strengthened through daily, evidence-based practice. This article offers 6 practical steps — from identifying self-critical thoughts to practicing self-compassion — for building a healthier relationship with yourself.
Building Healthier Relationships
Building a healthier relationship with your partner doesn't require willpower — it requires skill. This article walks through 6 practical, research-based steps (including Gottman's findings) to strengthen trust, communication, and intimacy in your relationship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a psychotherapist, and how is it different from a psychologist?
- A psychotherapist is a professional who uses evidence-based, talk-based approaches — such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Schema Therapy — to help people understand and manage emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist does not prescribe medication; the focus is on talk therapy, offered both in person and online.
- What is psychotherapy?
- Psychotherapy is a talk-based, evidence-based process in which a person works with a trained psychotherapist to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behavior in order to better understand and manage emotional or relational challenges. Psychotherapy includes several approaches — such as ACT, CBT, and Schema Therapy — chosen based on each person's needs.
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and who founded it?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used, evidence-based approaches in psychotherapy, focusing on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It was founded by American psychiatrist Aaron Beck in the 1960s, with psychologist Albert Ellis also shaping its development through Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). In CBT, a person learns to identify and restructure negative or distorted thought patterns in order to manage mood and behavior in healthier ways.
- What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapy approach that, rather than fighting difficult thoughts and feelings, focuses on accepting them and building a life guided by one's personal values. It is used in treating anxiety, stress, and many everyday challenges.
- What is mindfulness?
- Mindfulness means paying open, non-judgmental attention to the present moment. It's a skill often taught alongside approaches like ACT and CBT to reduce stress and anxiety and build emotional resilience.
- What does a B.A. in Clinical Psychology mean?
- A B.A. in Clinical Psychology is an undergraduate degree with specialized training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. It differs from an M.A. in Clinical Psychology, which is a higher degree. To see any therapist's specific credentials and license, check their official bio on the About page.
- Is online counseling available for clients in other cities (such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Ahvaz, Mashhad, Karaj, or Qom)?
- Yes. Individual and couples sessions with a psychologist/psychotherapist are held online via video call, so clients from anywhere in Iran — including Isfahan, Shiraz, Ahvaz, Mashhad, Karaj, and Qom — as well as Iranians living abroad, can book an online appointment without needing to travel. In-person sessions are also available in Tehran and Istanbul.
- How do I create an account?
- Fill out the Register form and a real verification email will be sent to you. Your account stays inactive until you click the link in that email.
- How is my information protected?
- Your password is never stored in raw form — it is hashed with the secure Argon2id algorithm. Your session is stored in a secure cookie inaccessible to JavaScript.
- How does appointment booking work?
- Once signed in, go to the Book an Appointment page, pick an open day and time from the calendar, and your appointment is booked instantly — a confirmation is emailed to you right away.
- What if I forget my password?
- On the Login page, click "Forgot your password?" A real reset link will be emailed to you.
- What is Schema Therapy and what is it used for?
- Schema Therapy is an integrative therapeutic approach developed by Jeffrey Young that focuses on identifying and changing deeply ingrained, maladaptive patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns often form in childhood and negatively affect adult relationships and decision-making. This approach helps clients identify unmet emotional needs and adopt healthier behaviors.
- What is couples counseling and when is it useful?
- Couples counseling is a specialized process that helps partners and spouses improve communication and manage conflict. These sessions are useful for resolving issues such as communication misunderstandings, loss of emotional or physical intimacy, and navigating marital crises. Couples counseling is beneficial for both repairing challenged relationships and preventing deeper problems.
- Are online psychotherapy sessions available for Iranians living abroad?
- Yes, online individual and couples counseling services are available for Iranians and Persian speakers residing abroad. These sessions allow clients to pursue therapy without geographical limitations with a therapist who shares their language and cultural background. Session scheduling is adjusted according to the client's local time zone.
- What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist?
- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who primarily manages mental health conditions through pharmacotherapy. In contrast, a psychotherapist utilizes talk therapy and evidence-based psychological approaches to address cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges. When medication is necessary, a psychotherapist refers the client to a psychiatrist so that both treatments can complement each other.
- How long does a psychotherapy session usually last?
- Standard individual psychotherapy sessions typically last between 45 to 50 minutes. The total duration of treatment and number of sessions depend on the client's goals, the nature of the concern, and the therapeutic approach, which is established during initial sessions. Regular attendance plays a crucial role in achieving meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
- What is individual counseling and how does it help the client?
- Individual counseling is a specialized, confidential process between a client and a psychotherapist focused on exploring personal challenges, self-awareness, and mental well-being. In these sessions, clients learn to recognize their cognitive and behavioral patterns while acquiring healthier coping skills for life's stressors. The primary goal of individual therapy is to facilitate personal growth and achieve balance in life.