Tamara Sharifov, LCSW

About Me
MY PHILOSOPHY
Clients quickly learn their pains are not a weakness, but a portal towards wisdom and growth. Though I take my clinical training very seriously, I believe the connection between you and me is essential for a successful therapeutic partnership. It is important to honor our lived experiences, and I make it my mission to learn and respect your unique life story.
With my parents immigrating to the United States 2 months before my birth, I have walked the tight-rope of two cultures my entire life. I utilize cultural backgrounds as an important component when working with those who seek the therapeutic process under my care.
EXPERIENCE
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve spent 12 years addressing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, emotion regulation, relationship concerns, life transitions, and other mental health concerns. I also have unique training & experience understanding the effects of forced migration, international armed-conflict, political unrest, military service, humanitarianism, and the impacts of structural racism
During my graduate studies at the University of Chicago, I began my clinical training under the direct mentorship of Dr. Paul Holmes, PsyD – A clinical psychologist and renowned expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Chronic Distress. Dr. Holmes is also the creator of Contextual-DBT (C-DBT). I then completed a three year post-masters fellowship under his direct supervision. Simultaneously, I received supervision from Jeff Levy, LCSW – an expert in treating PTSD. Currently, I continue to work directly with Dr. Holmes, and am directly involved in the development of C-DBT.
In 2018, I traveled to the Syrian-Lebanese border on a medical mission with the Syrian American Medical Society. In my role, I provided triage based mental health services to Syrian refugees and trainings to in-country mental health providers. I also acted as the primary psychological support for other medical providers.
I then spent 2 years working at Personal Evolution Psychotherapy. Within this role I provided individual therapy and comprehensive DBT & ACT services, as well as acted as primary family therapist within the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). I also played an integral role in the development of their mindfulness program, and training of clinicians on the implementation of mindfulness based practices in therapy.
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Master’s of Clinical Social Work (2016) University of Chicago - School of Social Service Administration.
Concentration: Psychological Trauma
& Mental Health
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Master’s of Science, Conflict Management and Resolution (In Progress). University of San Diego – Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies.
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Bachelor’s of Arts, Psychology (2012)
University of California, Santa Barbara.
Education
Areas of Clinical Specialty
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PTSD, Complex & Chronic Trauma
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Vicarious Trauma
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Sexual Trauma
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Couples & Relationship Concerns
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Interpersonal/Relational Difficulties
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Mood Disorder
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Emotion Regulation
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Depression & Anxiety
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Suicidality & Self-Harm
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Compassion Fatigue & Burn-Out
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Military Personel and their families
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Front-Line, Humanitarian, & Crisis Workers
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Forced Migration & Displacement
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Difficulties with finding meaning & purpose
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Intimacy and difficulties with closeness/bonding
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Personality Disorders
Licensure
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California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW# 97915)
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Illinois Licensed Social Worker (LSW# 150.102015) (Currently Inactive)
Previously Held Positions
Lecturer – University of Chicago, Masters of Social Work Department
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Outpatient Clinics
Intensive Outpatient Program – Primary Family Therapist
Multiple Rape Crisis Centers
Emergency Domestic Violence Shelters
Syrian Refugee Camps (Lebanon)
Humanitarian Relief Organization Co-Founder
Community Mental Health Clinic
Homelessness and Chronic Mental Health Outpatient Services
Therapeutic School Bridge Program