Professional expertise and compassion every day: An Interview with Paria Zandi
Behind each impactful treatment experience is a team of people deeply committed to helping others. At Bridges to Recovery our team brings professional expertise and compassion to the work they do every day.
In our Meet Our Team series, we highlight the individuals who make our program so special. Through these conversations, you will learn more about their roles at Bridges to Recovery, what inspires their work in the mental health and the experiences that shape their approach to supporting clients and families.
In this edition, we are excited to introduce Paria Zandi, LMFT, who shares insights into her role, her perspective on the recovery journey, and what continues to motivate her in this field.
Q: Tell us about your role! What do you do at Bridges to Recovery and what do you love most about your job? What specialties or therapeutic approaches do you bring to your work?
A: I have been a primary therapist at Bridges to Recovery for almost six years. I bring a passionate approach to DBT and enjoy helping people become empowered to be able to regulate their own emotions and urges. I’m also trained in EMDR and Ketamine assisted psychotherapy. I love working here because it is such an intensive program that I’m able to see incredible transformation in a relatively short period of time. This makes the work very rewarding, not only for the clients, but for me as well. I also have an amazing team of strong clinicians that I get to work alongside and who I value deeply.
Q: What is your “why?” What motivated or inspired you to be in this field?
A: I’ve always wanted to be a therapist ever since I knew what a therapist was. As a child, I would read self-help books in the library for hours. I’ve always been interested in helping people going through difficult times, probably because I had some amazing people who helped me in my life when I had difficult times.
Q: In your opinion, what does Bridges to Recovery do better than others in this field? What makes them unique?
A: Bridges is a quality program that provides solid mental health support which is unique in this field because many programs are focused on dual diagnosis or substance abuse. We have an incredible team of clinicians who deeply care about their clients as well.
Q: What makes you excited to be a part of the Bridges to Recovery Team?
A: I feel proud and honored to be able to be part of such a reputable program that I have witnessed change so many people’s lives
Q: What do you wish more people knew about your profession?
A: Therapy is a deeply human and healing relational process that is, in my opinion, one of the most worthwhile endeavors a person can participate in.
