I am Dr. Parisa Gallinger (she/her/hers), a licensed marriage and family therapist and AAMFT-Approved Supervisor with a doctoral degree in psychology, based in Orange County, California. I serve as a faculty member at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where I teach clinical psychology. My clinical work, teaching, and supervision are grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and care—oriented toward trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, identity, ADHD, and the gradual, layered process of redefining a life story.

My practice is grounded in cultural humility. I do not assume to know what your background, identity, body, family, culture, or community mean to you — we make sense of those together. I bring training, ongoing learning, and a commitment to being accountable for what you share with me, including acknowledging when I overlook something. I take seriously the ways that race, gender, sexuality, class, disability, neurodivergence, immigration history, and other life experiences shape what we bring into the space.

I find great solace in the arts, poetry, creativity, music, and outdoor activities like hiking and exploring nature, as they help me recharge when I feel depleted. As a proud introvert, I value both meaningful social interactions and moments of solitude. Mentoring students to become ethical and passionate therapists is a deeply fulfilling privilege, and I am grateful to work with clients and guide them on their personal journeys of self-discovery, regardless of their preferences. I believe that poetry, music, and all art forms are not just supplementary but often vital for powerful storytelling, magic, and healing. They serve as the vehicle that helps me connect with the deepest parts of myself, which in turn connects me to others. From my experiences, I’ve learned that stories and sadness expressed through poetry, art, and music carry profound lessons. Without experiencing the void, we wouldn't fully appreciate the richness of joy and connection.