Meet Dr. Sanam Shamtobi | Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Founder of This Life Therapy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Sanam Shamtobi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Sanam, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After nearly a decade of seeing clients, I started This Life Therapy to offer personalized and high-quality care to those seeking mental health support from all walks of life. I seek to hire and train therapists who are deeply caring and highly professional, blending warmth with expertise in a way that I believe can foster the greatest change. Each therapist in my practice comes with their unique perspectives, personality, and specialities, which allow me to feel like I am helping the community beyond what I could do on my own. Running This Life allows me to provide more flexible and accessible services, stay updated with the latest therapeutic techniques, make sure I am staying on top of the needs of the people who come to us for help.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My career in psychology began unconventionally- I was an English Literature and Art History major in undergrad and was deeply confused about how to transition that into a career that felt aligned with my values of advocacy, empathy, and self-growth. In this quarter-life crisis, I realized that I had spent years analyzing characters in books, the nuance of colors, the importance of subtle details and narratives in works of art and writing… if I could apply that same curiosity and attention to people, I would have the perfect job! After a few years in my doctoral program, however, the seriousness of my career choice really dawned on me. I recognized how privileged I was to be caring for real human beings who were trusting me with their mental health goals and concerns. I realized that if I could help one person process through their trauma, I could play a part in stopping the transition of that suffering to their child, and that would be the best thing I could think to do with my life. I became wholly committed to creating spaces where people could be themselves, knowing they were welcomed with their flaws, pain, fears, vulnerabilities, and successes. I am honored everyday I get to be in session with people who are allowing themselves to be open to doing this work. That’s why, at This Life Therapy, I have created an atmosphere that invites everyone to come as they are, knowing they are in the safe care of a professional who will treat them as an equal. It is of the utmost important that any encounter people have with me and my colleagues is kind, patient and client-centered, We prioritize helping you, not treating a diagnosis.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have a 1 year old now, so my recommendations might not be the coolest or newest, but they are the tried and truest! There is nothing better than a pastry and a cup of something warm in the morning, so I would definitely recommend stopping at the Caffe Luxxe at the Brentwood Country Market or Montana Ave. for the best cup of coffee in LA. Then, it’s a quick drive to Jyan Isaac for one of the greatest bagels of your life. In the afternoon, we’d go to Abbott Kinney and shop around, maybe buy a crystal or two, before going for a bike ride on the Venice Boardwalk. For dinner and drinks, I highly recommend visiting Citizen Public Market in Downtown Culver City followed by Bar Bohemian… and if we’re dancy, we’d end the night at Blind Barber!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It is my honor to shout out the strong Persian Jewish Community of Los Angeles who has moved me with their growing openness and encouragement of mental health despite the stigma that therapy has carried for so long. Growing up, I recognized how much pain and trauma those around me were privately dealing with, and in just the last decade, I have attended countless events, talks, fundraiser, etc. focused on the importance of providing and seeking help. Amongst this community is my mother, Nazanin Ramzi, who had the courage to go back to school, after raising 3 children, to get her Masters in Psychology in order to help her peers learn the importance of nurturing their inner child and moving through life with self-compassion. I am proud to be part of such a lineage of warriors!

Website: https://www.thislifetherapy.com

Instagram: @thislifetherapy

Yelp: This Life Therapy