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Sunset Horizon
Leila Pirnia

Leila Pirnia

Specialties and Certifications
  • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 

  • Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

  • Neurodiverse Parenting Specialist

  • Neurodiverse Couples Specialist

  • Kids and Teens Therapist

  • Cassandra Syndrome Specialist

  • ADHD, OCD, and Anxiety Specialist

Education
  • Bachelor of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis on Marriage & Family Therapy, Pepperdine University

Life Experience

  • Associate Psychotherapist at Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center and Autism Parenting Therapy Center. Training with Dr. Harry Moto, Clinical Director and Founder.

  • Clinical training - The Center for Professional Counseling of Los Angeles.  Trained from a psychodynamic, depth-oriented clinical theoretical orientation, integrating alternative modalities as needed such as family systems theory, attachment theory, and CBT/DBT/ACT. 

  • Clinical training - Outreach Concern. Work with children, teens, and families as a school-based mental health therapist at multiple school sites. Handle a diverse caseload of students with behavioral, social, emotional, and academic needs. Incorporate a strengths-based orientation to foster academic growth and help students reach their personal potential, both inside and outside the classroom. 

  • Graduate Research Associate working alongside Dr. Shelly Harrell in her Culture, Wisdom, and Resilience Lab. My primary focus was the development of a unique application designed specifically for mental health therapists. This innovative tool enables therapists to incorporate quotes from thought leaders into their therapy practices, promoting greater wisdom, insight, and resilience among their clients.

  • Prior President, CFO, COO, and Founder of various tech companies, startups, and non-profit organizations. Learnings from the corporate world helped shape my passion for understanding people’s behaviors, motivations, and drives. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective and skill set that I bring to my work as a mental health therapist. 

Main Areas of Focus

Cassandra Syndrome

My specialty lies in working with women who struggle with the heavy burden of living with Cassandra Syndrome. Living with a neurodiverse partner can be challenging, and it's not uncommon for women to feel overwhelmed and unsupported. I offer a safe and supportive space where women can explore their experiences and feelings while receiving the guidance and support they need to cope with the challenges they face.

 

Women living with Cassandra Syndrome often feel isolated and misunderstood. They may struggle to get the acknowledgment and help they need from their partners. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression, and a breakdown in the relationship. As a therapist, I work collaboratively with my clients to help them develop coping strategies, improve communication skills, and build stronger relationships with their partners.

I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space for women to explore their experiences and feelings. Through therapy, we will work together to develop coping strategies, enhance communication skills, and build a stronger relationship with your partner.

 

My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, compassion, and collaboration. I believe that every woman's experience is unique and that therapy should be tailored to meet their individual needs. My goal is to help my clients gain a better understanding of their situation, develop new perspectives, and ultimately improve their overall quality of life. If you are a woman struggling with the challenges of living with a neurodiverse partner, know that you are not alone and there is hope. Together, we can work towards building a more fulfilling and satisfying partnership and life.

Neurodiverse Couples

Being in a relationship where one, or both, partners has a neurodiversity can present unique challenges that may seem insurmountable at times. Perhaps you and your partner have been struggling to connect, and you're not sure how to move forward. You may feel like you're speaking different languages, that your partner doesn't understand you, or that you can't find common ground.

I've worked with many couples in similar situations, and I've seen firsthand the toll it can take on both partners and the relationship. One partner may feel like they're always walking on eggshells, trying to avoid triggering their partner's sensitivities, while the other partner may feel like they're constantly being criticized or misunderstood. Communication may break down, leaving both partners feeling frustrated, alone, and disconnected.

With the right support and guidance, it's possible to create a safe and loving partnership that enables each of you to thrive and grow. As a neurodiverse couples’ therapist, my goal is to help you both understand each other's perspectives and needs, and to find ways to bridge the gap between you. I'll work with you to identify areas of strength in your relationship, as well as areas that need improvement. We'll explore strategies to build empathy, trust, and communication skills, and we'll develop tools to manage conflict and build resilience.

I approach therapy with a focus on collaboration, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. I believe that each person and relationship is unique, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and feelings without fear of criticism or rejection. I'll work with you to tailor our sessions to your specific needs and goals, and we'll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you both.

If you're struggling in your relationship and feel like you're at a crossroads, I encourage you to reach out for support. Together, we can work towards building a stronger, more connected partnership that brings out the best in each of you.

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