Meet Kiana Naimi | Licensed Clinical Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiana Naimi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiana, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
There’s a lot of stigma around mental health in our society, and even more so around grief- informed care. The idea for my private mental health practice emerged from both personal experience and professional insight. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have always been deeply invested in supporting individuals through life’s most challenging times. I have unfortunately experienced some devastating losses in my personal life as well —quite honestly, my mother’s death when I was a teenager was a significant factor in leading me to the path of specializing in grief and loss in my clinical practice.

Throughout my career and working in various settings, I also noticed a significant need for specialized support in navigating grief and loss. Many clients were seeking more personalized and dedicated care that wasn’t always available in larger, more generalized settings. This realization, combined with my own experiences and a desire to offer more focused, compassionate care, inspired me to establish my private practice.

I want to have a space for individuals experiencing grief in which they would not only have therapeutic support but also a sense of understanding and validation. My goal is to offer a safe, empathetic environment where clients can process their emotions, find hope, and work through their loss at their own pace. This practice allows me to bring together my expertise in social work with my passion for helping people heal from their most profound experiences.

What should our readers know about your business?
My private mental health practice is called SOULH (pronounced exactly like soul –the H is silent) Psychotherapy, and SOULH in Farsi (I’m Iranian-American by the way) means peace and tranquility. And to me, the name was really fitting because my work is dedicated to providing specialized support for individuals experiencing grief and loss, and really our goal in grief therapy is to come to a place of peace and tranquility with ourselves in our grief journey.

What sets my practice apart is the personalized and empathetic approach I bring to each client. My focus is on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to navigate their grief in a way that is tailored to their unique experiences and needs. One of the key aspects that distinguish my practice is the depth of experience and compassion I bring as a licensed clinical social worker. My clinical background in social work, combined with a deep understanding, research and knowledge of the complexities of grief as well as my own grief experiences, allows me to offer a nuanced and effective therapeutic approach. I emphasize creating a space where clients feel seen, heard and validated, which is crucial for healing.

I am most proud of my clients. They are my pride and joy! The genuine connections I’ve built with my clients and the positive impact I’ve seen in their lives makes this work beyond meaningful and getting to witness their journey from heartbreak to healing and growth is incredibly rewarding. I am also excited about the continuous learning and development in my field, which allows me to offer the most current and effective therapeutic techniques.

The path to establishing my practice was not easy. Building a private practice from the ground up involves significant challenges, including navigating the business side of things, managing finances, and establishing a client base (all of which is not taught in MSW school BTW –at least it wasn’t in my program! I think also coming from an immigrant background whose parents came to this country with very little and worked hard to get by also made things more challenging because I didn’t have them to turn to for logistical support and inquiry about what they thought about my next move. However, my passion for this work, and my clients wellbeing keeps me motivated. I continuously invest time in professional development, seek mentorship, and remain focused on my vision for providing the highest care possible when it comes to grief support.

One of the major challenges I faced was balancing the clinical aspects of my work with the business demands of running a practice. I overcame this by seeking advice from experienced colleagues, attending business workshops, and gradually building a support network of professionals. Each challenge became a learning opportunity that contributed to my growth as a practitioner and a business owner.

Truthfully, this journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continual learning –as well as listening to the beat of your heart and following your passion. It’s crucial to stay open to new ideas and approaches while remaining grounded in the core values of empathy and compassion. Additionally, building a network of support and seeking guidance from others is invaluable in overcoming obstacles, and something I am really grateful for.

I want others to know that my practice is rooted in a deep commitment to helping individuals through one of life’s most challenging experiences. My story is one of dedication and passion for making an equitable difference in the realm of mental health, particularly in the area of grief and loss. I strive to offer a space where clients can find not only professional guidance but also genuine understanding and support regardless of their background.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In all honesty, one of the reasons why I haven’t had the heart to leave Los Angeles is because of how much I love it here (well the places that is, not the traffic)!

Everything, (and literally everything), is at your fingertips depending on what you’re in the mood for — it’s completely attainable. Some of my favorite places to grab a bite include the Perch @ DTLA, Salt Restaurant and Bar @ Marina Del Rey and quite honestly almost all the Iranian restaurants and cafes within Persian Square (on Westwood Blvd), especially Shekarchi Kabob, Attari Sandwich Shop, and Pink Orchid Bakery and Cafe.

If I’m wanting to spend some time in nature, I absolutely love the Getty Center/Villa, the Griffith Observatory, Garden of the world (in Thousand Oaks), Kenneth Hahn State Park, and Lummis Garden & Museum. So thankful to get to call LA my home away from home!

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 want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in my circle (you know who you are). Your support has been instrumental in helping me reach where I am today, doing work that I am truly passionate about. To my dear auntie, your unwavering belief and love have been a constant source of strength for me, and I cherish you more than words can express.

To my friends, colleagues, mentors, and professors, thank you for your faith in my abilities and for continuously motivating me to pursue this path. Your encouragement has been invaluable, and your guidance has shaped my journey in ways I deeply appreciate. Each of you has played a vital role in helping me follow my passion for this work, and I am profoundly grateful for your influence and support.

Website: https://Soulhpsychotherapy.com

Instagram: Soulh_psychotherapy

Linkedin: Kiana-n

Image Credits
10 types of grief –credit to helptext