Meet Dr. Regine Muradian | Clinical Psychologist, Speaker, Mental Health Advocate & Children’s Author

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

Hi Dr. Regine, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As I moved through my career, there were many changes and experiences that I am grateful for. Many of these career experiences have made me the entrepreneur I am today. In the last 14 years, I have worked for nonprofit community mental health centers, teaching and training graduate level students, while maintaining my private practice. It was important for me to develop well rounded clinical skills and work with other professionals in my field. As the years went by and my children got older, I realized that it was time for me to solely focus on my private practice and this was a healthy balance I am so grateful for at the moment. Each person works at a different pace, and you need to find the balance that works for you best. My practice has grown once I turned the focus on building my brand and focusing on the various services I offer from clinician, speaker, mental advocate, and becoming a children’s author. This year has been incredible because I discovered my love for writing children’s books and focusing on what makes me happy and fulfilled.

As a parent, what do you think is the most important thing you’ve done in terms of the impact on your children?

This is such an important question to reflect on for every parent. Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual. We do the best we can and try to improve daily. I am the mother of three children ages 15, 12, and 9 and since the birth of my first child, I have promised myself that I would be a present and conscious parent. I had my first child while I was in graduate school. I delivered in the summer of 2005 and was back in class two weeks later. It was important for me to be able to be a mother and finish graduate school. I recall slowing down a little and taking fewer classes, but I was adamant on completing my studies on time and graduating with my class. This of course was a challenge, but I was blessed to have had my mother in law’s help during such an important time, and I was able to do this successfully. We joke together about it to this day, and I tell her, “Mom, this diploma belongs to you because, without you, I would have never been able to complete graduate school.” She was a true blessing, and I have learned so much from her, especially cooking. I feel my children are so blessed to have such an important role model in their life. When I graduated, I had to make many sacrifices in terms of where I was going to complete my post-graduate work. Psychologists need two to three years of training after receiving a doctorate. My children always came first, and I knew I had to find a compromise. My passion was in child neuropsychology, but I would have had to move out of state and complete very intense training. This was not an option for me at the time, as I did not want to sacrifice the important time with my child for a specialty. I knew I could do it at a later time if I wanted. Another choice I made as a parent was to be the only person besides close family to raise my children. This was an important decision for me and my husband, as I wanted to be a present parent. I was fortunate to be able to do this. Of course, it came with many financial sacrifices, but they were all worth it, as you will never get back your children’s early years. Lastly, I wanted to be home when my kids arrived from school. It is such a blessing to be able to pick up your kids or be there with them after school. It did take me a longer time to build my practice, but I don’t regret anything. Today I still practice in the same manner and my kids look forward to me picking them up and taking them to their activities. I am grateful for the growth of my practice. Of course, as a business owner, you always want more. But the question to ask yourself is, “Do I need more?” For me, being a present and conscious parent will always be my priority.

Please visit my website to learn more about me: www.reginemuradian.com

Instagram: dr._regine_muradian

Amazon link to my new children’s book Franky and The Worry Bees: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735590614/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Franky+and+the+Worry+bees&qid=1601054426&sr=8-3

What should our readers know about your business?
Becoming a psychologist was a profession that fell into my lap naturally. I have always been the person most people turned to for advice or to just vent about life issues. I bring a wide range of experiences into my practice based on my life experiences. I am fortunate to have been exposed to a wide variety of cultures having lived in many parts of the world growing up, hence allowing me to be fluent in 5 languages. Being versed in multiple cultures is such an important skill in the practice of psychology as you never know who will walk through your door. I always knew I wanted to work with children and teens which is most of my practice’s focus. However, I also see young adults and adults and enjoy working with them. After I graduated with my doctorate, I completed three years of post-training in my specialty which of course had its challenges as I was working full time and had two children to care for. This shaped me into who I am today and taught me the importance of organization, time management, and multi-tasking. I am an avid believer and teach this daily to my clients and children to never give up no matter how hard something may be. Keep on focusing on your goal and see the results at the end helps you stay motivated and connected within yourself and goals. You never know where life takes you and in which direction. When the pandemic hit, I had to think of creative ways to engage my clients and a children’s book, Franky and The Worry Bees was born out of this experience. It was a great opportunity as I found a new love for writing children’s books and sharing my message and helping children around the world. My books are meant to inspire and provide solutions to a struggle or situation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question as I often have my childhood friends popping in for a visit to Los Angeles. I usually have many activities planned out- Here are my favorite spots that I think anyone visiting needs to see: 1. The most famous Hollywood boulevard and taking pics with the stars. 2. The Santa Monica Pier 3. Universal Studios 4. My favorite place of all time in Malibu is Old Tony’s Taverna. They have a beautiful place to eat outside and you will feel like you are in Greece. 5. I can’t forget the beaches of Southern California, my favorite place is Victoria Beach in Laguna. There are so many exciting places, cultures and food to explore in Los Angeles and beyond. I feel fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places as you have the beach, the mountains, and snow all within a one to two-hour distance from the center of Los Angeles. Of course, let’s not forget the beautiful weather.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate a shoutout to my clients, students I have mentored and organizations I have worked for which have developed me in to the clinician I am today. As a children’s author, I wanted to give a shoutout to my three children who inspire me every day, and my husband who has been my greatest support throughout my journey.

Website: www.reginemuradian.com
Instagram: dr._regine_muradian
Linkedin: Regine Muradian, PsyD
Twitter: @reginepsyd
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2MoL1oEvM4

Image Credits
Robin Lorraine Photography