Hello! My name is Arya Gandhari M.A., QMHP (she/her) and I’m a 4th year graduate clinical psychology student at Pacific University’s PsyD program, where I also received my Master of Arts in clinical psychology. Prior to joining the program, I completed my undergraduate education at UC Santa Cruz, where I received my B.A. in both Psychology and Feminist Studies. Between college and graduate school, I also did some peer support work, primarily with the SPMI population in the East Bay Area, CA

Since joining Pacific, I have gotten exposure to a wide array of clinical presentations in both community health and college counseling settings. It is in both settings that my passion for catering towards underserved/ marginalized communities has further developed. I am particularly passionate about working with BIPOC/immigrant communities and the queer community, as I have a strong clinical interest in helping folks heal from PTSD/ complex trauma. I take an integrative, trauma-informed approach that is relational in style, incorporating elements of liberation psychology, feminist/multicultural therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I aim to create a safe and non-judgemental environment that is client-centered and empowers clients to draw upon their internal strengths to foster resilience and healing.

In my free time I can be found outdoors whenever the sun is out, hiking and/or exploring the natural beauty that the PNW has to offer. I also enjoy live-music/ attending concerts, reading, cooking, and spending quality time with my community/ loved ones.