Couch Conversations
Psychotherapy and Counseling
About Our Therapists
Welcome to Couch Conversations Psychotherapy and Counseling, Inc. and thank you for your interest in learning more about us. We are a private practice in the state of California dedicated to assisting people reach their full potential. Your interest in learning more about us suggests that you have already started your healing journey by looking for a therapist who you believe could guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Let us tell you a little bit about who we are as therapists so you can make the most informed decision about who to work with in collaboration for your healing journey.
About Annie Varvaryan
Co-founder and director of Couch Conversations Psychotherapy and Counseling, Inc., Annie Varvaryan is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Lic. # 30402) practicing psychotherapy in the state of California. Dr. Varvaryan graduated from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), and has been providing psychotherapy for a decade. Dr. Varvaryan has worked in a variety of clinical settings including community-based treatment centers, a correctional facility, inpatient units, intensive outpatient programs, and hospital settings.
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Dr. Varvaryan views the therapeutic process as a journey, working with people who are willing and committed to do what it takes to promote change. Dr. Varvaryan’s clients are hardworking, thoughtful and dedicated to the sometimes strenuous process of psychotherapy. She does her best work when her clients are ready to put in the time and energy it takes to promote positive changes. Dr. Varvaryan focuses her therapy work on different anxiety types including social anxiety, generalized anxiety and specific phobias of situations, people or things.
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In her approach to therapy, Dr. Varvaryan uses many different forms of therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches. Dr. Varvaryan knows that no two people are the same and everyone deserves a unique approach when it comes to understanding their needs and helping them heal. When working with clients, she will tailor the therapy approach to make sure it fits with the needs of her clients.
Dr. Varvaryan has extensive experience in work stress issues including addressing problems with a stressful work setting, phobias about public speaking in meetings or conferences, improving relations with coworkers and supervisors, and developing work and career goals. She also enjoys working with individuals who are experiencing different life transitions whether it be transitioning into college from high school, into their career or a new relationship. Dr. Varvaryan works with adolescents, teens, adults, families and couples in person and virtually.
About Gary Amirbekyan
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Gary Amirbekyan is a co-founder and director of Couch Conversations Psychotherapy and Counseling, Inc. Gary is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic. # 102157) and practices in the state of California. One of Gary's biggest goals as a therapist is to work in collaboration with his clients and find solutions together. Gary dedicates himself as a partner in clients' journey of self-growth.
At the start of therapy, Gary gains an understanding of what his clients are going through and offers practical solutions to his clients. Gary believes that once people start to view their issues in different, more helpful ways, they usually start to gain more awareness of how they were approaching situations before. Gary helps his clients affirm new perspectives that are healthier and more effective for their lives. He holds the belief that people have the capacity to unlock their issues by exploring the decisions they have made and potential decisions about the future.
Gary has ample experience working with clients using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and several other evidence-based modalities. Most importantly, Gary has extensive training and experience tailoring his treatment to meet his clients' needs. He utilizes a variety of treatment approaches to find the right “fit” for each of his clients and guides them on a journey of self-discovery, fulfillment and gaining confidence in themselves. Gary has substantial experience working with clients who go through relationship issues, anxiousness, sadness, and in particular, those who are wanting more self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-growth in their lives. He enjoys working with adults, couples and adolescents.
Gary graduated with his degree from Argosy University and has been in practice for the past 8 years. Gary has worked in several settings including community based centers, hospitals, and private practice settings. Gary views psychotherapy as a partnership with his clients and welcomes you to your therapy journey.
About Geena Guerrido
Dr. Geena Guerrido is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Lic. #31102) practicing psychotherapy in the state of California. Dr. Guerrido grew up in Southern California, which has led to her strongly valuing diversity both personally and professionally.
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As a psychologist, Dr. Guerrido recognizes that our intersecting identities, relationship with ourselves, with others, and the world shape our experiences. With this in mind, Dr. Guerrido uses a relational and attachment-based approach to help clients gain a better understanding of themselves, their needs, and their relationships. Dr. Guerrido has extensive knowledge working with family of origin concerns, boundary setting, relationship concerns, and acculturation difficulties.
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In her approach to therapy, Dr. Guerrido utilizes her authentic self to create a genuine and safe space for clients to explore their experiences with gentle curiosity and kindness. Dr. Guerrido works collaboratively with clients to create goals, and incorporates evidenced-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness to help achieve those goals. She works to empower clients to be the agents of change in their own lives, and to take the steps necessary to experience long-lasting growth and change.
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Regarding her training and experience, Dr. Guerrido graduated from the Rosemead School of Psychology, and has been providing psychotherapy for 8 years. Dr. Guerrido has worked in a variety of clinical settings including college counseling centers, intensive outpatient programs, and medical settings. She has experience working with young adults, adults, and couples.
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About Rachel Krepack
Rachel Krepack is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Lic. # 110020), practicing in the state of California. Rachel grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by family members working in service-related professions, such as physicians, psychologists, lawyers, and social workers, where they relentlessly help others; therefore, Rachel grew up wanting to become a therapist. Rachel has always had a passion for helping others, especially in their time of need. Through her own struggles and experiences, she has developed a greater sense of understanding for her clients and what they are living through, which has allowed her to connect on a deeper level.
As a therapist, Rachel strives to create an open, trusting, and collaborative space to gain insight into each client’s needs. Rachel believes in an approach that utilizes evidence and is delivered with empathy, warmth and understanding. She utilizes an integrative approach, pulling from different modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based approaches, Solution-Focused practices, Psychodynamic, Therapy and Humanistic-based therapies. Rachel focuses on developing a greater sense of self, highlighting strengths, delving deeper into identity exploration, and finding solutions. Rachel tailors treatment to fit the specific needs of each client to target their overall health and wellbeing.
Rachel has worked with a wide array of clientele, ranging from, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship stress, work stress and neurodivergent individuals. Rachel has spent time working with young adults through different life transitions. She has worked with many individuals searching to reclaim their confidence and feel more empowered to take hold of their life. Rachel works with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.
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Rachel completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California at Berkeley, where she spent time working with and mentoring young children. She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She spent time training at prestigious institutions such as UCLA and Kaiser, doing both research and psychotherapy. Rachel has also completed doctoral level training, ranging from neuropsychology assessment experience to psychotherapy to working in school settings. Rachel’s wide range of experiences has served her well, allowing her to build the knowledge base and foundation to help clients in the best way possible.