“Work through the tasks together with others so that when the difficult emotions come, you have somebody to sit with.
Be with someone as you let the floodwaters of history—and your ancestors' and your role in it—wash over you. That way you don't need to fear the waters of guilt or loss or grief.”
- Patty Krawec, Author of Becoming Kin
Who Am I?
I’m a queer first generation Armenian-American living on unceded Ohlone land, also known as the Bay Area. 'Garen' (he/him) is the name of the indigenous homeland of my paternal ancestors on the Armenian Highlands, occupied by Turkey. I’m currently an associate at Queer LifeSpace, a SF-based community mental health clinic serving LGBTQIA+ members.
I graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology. My research focuses on intergenerational resilience and the impacts of settler-colonial violence on our bodies.
‘Garen’ Pronunciation
More About Me
I'm naturally empathetic and attuned to those around me. I value my own curiosity, and I help foster the same curiosity in others to facilitate their self-awareness & self-acceptance.
I have experience working with individuals struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety & depression, as well as supporting folks navigating systems of oppression, professionally or within relationship.
In the context of couples therapy, I consider myself a facilitator, helping people build trust, awareness & greater intimacy within the relationship.
I facilitate Harm Reduction groups, a philosophy that meets people where they're at with their usage. Harm Reduction encourages connection rather than reinforcing the shame that often accompanies substance use.
Education & License
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate #143600
Employed & Supervised by
Stace Dubin, LMFT License #89464
Member
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT) — SF / East Bay Chapter
Bachelors of Arts in Applied Mathematics,
University of California, Berkeley
Crisis Counselor
SF Suicide Prevention Center
Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology,
California Institute of Integral Studies
Associate Therapist & Harm Reduction Group Facilitator,
Queer LifeSpace, San Francisco
Inspirations &
Acknowledgements
I credit much of my understanding of healing & wholeness to a long list of peers & mentors, including Khatchadour Khatchadourian, Daniel Young, Phillippe Citrine, Jason Butler, Brian Henderson, Mel McCrea, Danielle Herrera, Brandon Yadegari Moreno, Sherri Taylor, Stace Dubin, Prentis Hemphill.
I come to this work on the backs of the many sacrifices made by my ancestors. Their commitment to passing on what’s left of the indigenous practices of the Armenian people is the driving force behind my work. The iconography throughout my website is a testament to the resilience of Armenian spirit, etched into the stones of our temples.
My ability to practice psychotherapy on the lands of the Ohlone people is a product of the crimes against humanity committed on this land and the rest of Turtle Island throughout history, from the founding of this country to the present day.