We recently had the chance to connect with Parisa Malekzadeh and have shared our conversation below.
Parisa, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
We have a new puppy in our home and we’ve been enjoying his crazy, goofy, loving attitude! He is almost one year old and full of happiness and mischievousness. We lost our family dog back in December of 2024 and I was not sure I was ready for another dog, especially a puppy. However, despite all the work he takes, he adds joy to our home and life would not be the same without him.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor and a perinatal and postpartum therapist. I opened my own practice, Mindful Therapy, back in January of 2024 as I wanted to offer services to women, couples and those struggling with trauma, anxiety and depression. My brand is a butterfly which comes from my daughter’s love for butterflies and learning about the cycle of a butterfly during COVID when we were home. The name Mindful Therapy comes from exploring butterflies in the context of what they represent: transformation, beauty, freedom, resilience and connection. Staying mindful and present in day-to-day life is something I strive for and I wanted that motto involved in my practice. I also wanted to bring my love of being a mom, being a woman and putting family first along with connectedness into my practice and it finally became reality this year.
I am most proud of starting a business and showing my daughter that women can do anything and find balance in a career and parenting. I come from a Persian background where we are a community and we take care of each other; I bring that into my practice and want my clients to know that their support system is important and their worth is seen in each therapy session. I have learned that being kind and honest with others is the best approach and being open to sharing your own story is key to being a good therapist. Treating every client as an individual rather than enforcing strict rules regarding cancellations, etc allows me have policies that fit clients and are flexible. The benefit of a small business is to provide myself and clients with flexibility and I love that piece for not only myself and my clients. I want my clients to see me as a human being and not just a therapist with a degree as it makes me more approachable and it helps others realize that I am genuinely here to be supportive in whatever goals they have for therapy.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I became a mother, my view of the world changed and I never knew how powerful that could be. Motherhood has shaped how I see things, how I act and how I relate to others as the journey involves helping my daughter learn who she is and what she brings to the world.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself to do more, experience more without fear. As a teenager, I think we worry too much about how others see us and I would remind myself that I am my own person and others opinions do not matter as much as my own and those who care about me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that family and friends are who matter to me the most! I value family time and relationships more than anything else as those relationships have supported me, shaped me and allowed me to be who I am.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my family and friends, especially with my daughter. A movie night on the couch in pjs snuggled up with my daughter is when I feel even more at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindfultherapyca.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfultherapyca/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99284695/admin/dashboard/
Image Credits
Izabela Sekowska Photography
