Nahreen Aref, AMFT
(She/Her/Hers)
Irvine, CA
Accepting New Clients
Waitlist Only
In-Person Visits
No In-Person Visits
Virtual Visits (in state)
Virtual Visits (in state)
Book With Me
Anxiety
Relationship Issues
Sexual Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues

Reclaiming your sense of self—especially after trauma—can be one of the most powerful journeys you take. I offer a grounded, supportive space where you can reconnect with your body, your story, and the parts of yourself that haven’t always felt safe to explore.

Client Focus

Young Adults 18-24

Adults 25-64

Seniors 65+

Get To Know Me

My path into therapy began through teaching and research. While pursuing my PhD, I studied sexual trauma, and that work opened the door to what would become my true calling. I became fascinated by the many ways trauma shows up in people’s lives—and even more by how healing can happen through reconnecting with the body, intuition, and suppressed parts of the self. Today, I specialize in sex therapy and trauma work, supporting clients as they process shame, nurture their identity, and build a deeper relationship with themselves.

I approach therapy holistically, blending body-based (somatic) and insight-oriented methods to support healing on all levels. I understand that trauma is shaped not just by personal experience, but by systems—cultural, political, and generational. I work to decolonize my practice, honoring the wisdom my clients already carry and recognizing the resilience that’s helped them survive. Therapy with me is a collaborative space where you’re met with curiosity, deep respect, and an invitation to reclaim the fullness of who you are.

Education

University of California (Irvine, CA), Doctorate and Masters in Political Science

Pacifica Graduate Institute (Santa Barbara, CA), Masters in Counseling Psychology                                                                                                                      

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Madrid, Spain), Masters in Contemporary Arabic and Islamic Studies                                                                            

University of California (Berkeley, CA), Bachelors in Political Science

More Details

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences (#148161) and supervised by Dr. Mariam Harris. I offer virtual appointments for California residents.

Additional languages: Farsi and Spanish

Insurance plans accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Oscar Health, and UnitedHealthcare. I also accept many Medi-Cal managed care health plans, including Anthem, BlueShield Promise, CalOptima, Gold Coast, HealthNet, Inland Empire, LA Care, Molina, and San Francisco Health Plan.

Self-pay fee: $100-$125

Sliding scale: Yes

Book With Me

Young Adults 18-24

Adults 25-64

Seniors 65+

My path into therapy began through teaching and research. While pursuing my PhD, I studied sexual trauma, and that work opened the door to what would become my true calling. I became fascinated by the many ways trauma shows up in people’s lives—and even more by how healing can happen through reconnecting with the body, intuition, and suppressed parts of the self. Today, I specialize in sex therapy and trauma work, supporting clients as they process shame, nurture their identity, and build a deeper relationship with themselves.

I approach therapy holistically, blending body-based (somatic) and insight-oriented methods to support healing on all levels. I understand that trauma is shaped not just by personal experience, but by systems—cultural, political, and generational. I work to decolonize my practice, honoring the wisdom my clients already carry and recognizing the resilience that’s helped them survive. Therapy with me is a collaborative space where you’re met with curiosity, deep respect, and an invitation to reclaim the fullness of who you are.

University of California (Irvine, CA), Doctorate and Masters in Political Science

Pacifica Graduate Institute (Santa Barbara, CA), Masters in Counseling Psychology                                                                                                                      

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Madrid, Spain), Masters in Contemporary Arabic and Islamic Studies                                                                            

University of California (Berkeley, CA), Bachelors in Political Science

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences (#148161) and supervised by Dr. Mariam Harris. I offer virtual appointments for California residents.

Additional languages: Farsi and Spanish

Insurance plans accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Oscar Health, and UnitedHealthcare. I also accept many Medi-Cal managed care health plans, including Anthem, BlueShield Promise, CalOptima, Gold Coast, HealthNet, Inland Empire, LA Care, Molina, and San Francisco Health Plan.

Self-pay fee: $100-$125

Sliding scale: Yes

We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible payment options
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