Our team

Mitra Karimi-Taleghani, LCSW (CA), LICSW (WA), CYT

Mitra Karimi-Taleghani, LCSW (CA), LICSW (WA), CYT is a queer, multiethnic, multicultural woman of color, the daughter of an African American mother and an Iranian immigrant father. As a trauma-informed psychotherapist with a background in gender studies, Mitra deeply understands how important it is to recognize the multifaceted identities of her clients. She acknowledges the various systems they are a part of and recognizes the effect these systems have on their lives. Her approach is collective liberation-focused. She received her B.A. in Gender Studies with a minor in Education from UCLA and her Master’s in Social Work with an emphasis on Trauma Therapy from Radford University.

Mitra’s deep connection to her Black and Persian ancestry informs her culturally affirming approach. She recognizes that everyone heals differently and adapts her methods to people’s unique needs. Mitra provides an integrative and collaborative style to her therapeutic and coaching relationships. She makes immense effort to create a space in which her client’s identities are affirmed and honored; she is hopeful that this inspires feelings of safety and ease throughout the healing journey. Mitra is deeply passionate about people feeling seen, heard, and celebrated as they are.

With 17 years of experience providing care to folks across the lifespan in various mental health settings, she has a broad range of experience. Mitra has worked with diverse populations in small rural and suburban communities as well as vibrant and thriving urban areas. These days she works primarily with folks who are living with the effects of trauma and reconnecting to their sense of safety and joy, adults in non-monogamous, polyamorous, and other relationship structures seeking support with communication and intimacy, and creatives that are navigating anxiety and depression and eager to begin creating regularly again.

As a trauma-informed yoga instructor, Mitra also addresses emotions as they show up somatically. She frequently reminds her clients that they are the true experts on themselves. She encourages folks to listen to their bodies and connect with their innate wisdom of self. She hopes that this will allow her clients to deepen their self-trust and allow them to feel confident in their autonomy. Mitra will often lead clients through gentle movement and breathwork to encourage stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress while grounding into the present. Throughout these co-regulating embodiment exercises, she intentionally uses language that is invitational and empowering.

Mitra has been described as showing up authentically and having a warm, nurturing, and playful personality. Mitra’s mother once told her: “Do whatever makes you feel real.” And this is the underlying philosophy that motivates Mitra’s presence throughout her professional and personal life.