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

Hi Ninel, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
There is no giving up. If you decide to try something, you need to give it your all. You don’t want to look back and wonder how things would turn up if you had kept on going. I consider it a success, as long as you try your best regardless of the results. I strongly believe you never know how capable you are, unless you push yourself and try as much as you can, as many times as it takes.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I see myself as one of those lucky people who do what they love for a living. It is such a blessing to be able to enjoy every moment of your career. As a psychotherapist, I have the privilege of being the confidant in many individuals’ lives. Sometimes, I am the only person who gets to hear the most intimate stories of one’s life. Sometimes, my office is the only safe place the individual has. My office couch is the place where trust is built, stories are shared, tears are shed, and waves of laughter blast. There is nothing more touching and more beautiful than witnessing these moments on a day to day basis.

Like many other accomplishments in life, a fulfilling professional career doesn’t come easy. In a field that human life is at stake, the pressure to do right and to do all, is immense. At the beginning of my career, as a young therapist, there were countless nights I whipped in bed thinking about my clients’ struggles. I could feel their pain on my skin and it was difficult shaking it off from one session to the other.

It took years of experience, continuous trainings and skill development to overcome the challenges that are the nature of this fascinating field.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, let’s see. Los Angeles is a never-ending place to explore. I think my top picks are Griffith Observatory for the most beautiful scenery, Hollywood Bowl for a nice classical concert, and Casa Bianca Pizza Pie in Eagle Rock for the best pizzas ever!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My loudest shout-out goes to my clients who give me permission to witness their life journey and to be a small part of it. I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity and I’ll never take it for granted.

Website: www.connectionspsychotherapyservices.com

Instagram: @ask.ninel

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ninel-simonian-5292b418

Image Credits
Avo Vision Instagram @avovision @avovisionevents

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