Therapist Spotlight: Daniela Nabatian
What made you want to be a therapist?
It's funny, growing up, it seemed I was everybody's go-to for support. My friends, my family—if someone had a problem—they would think, I have to talk to Daniela. And when I spoke with everyone, it just seemed so natural for me. There was something about human behavior and just relating to people that I really loved. So psychology became an early interest and what I decided to major in during college. I’d definitely say that’s part of the story.
Did you have a role model, or a person who inspired you along the way?
Looking back, there was a teacher in high school. He was a trained psychologist, actually, and he got to know me pretty well. He helped me more recognize how, among other things, I was often very selfless. Of course, this is a good thing, but sometimes I would just drop everything if my friends or family needed me—to the point where I wouldn’t put my needs first. And this school psychologist really helped me see this for the first time. Even more, he taught me the skills to recognize when it was happening. And these are skills I still use. I soon thought, I want to do this with my life. I want to have the same impact on other people. So definitely, he was a very pivotal person for me.
What is your favorite thing about being a therapist?
What I love about being a therapist is watching people change their lives for the better— and sometimes, it happens in such short periods of time. And that amazes me every time. Seeing such success is what I love.
What's a personal challenge you've overcome that makes you a better therapist?
Well, again, I've had to learn good boundaries. I've had to learn self-care. For me to be there for my clients, I've had to take care of myself. You can say it's been a running theme from my youth, but I definitely don't think I'm alone in this regard. A lot of people called to clinical work have to negotiate this one for themselves. And I think, more generally, a lot of women do too as we’re often socialized to put others' needs before our own. So, taking care of me was difficult at first, but it was something I've had to overcome. I think it's made me a better therapist, so I can be more present. I'm there for my clients, and I'm in it with them for the long haul. It's a skill and it's a mindset. I practice what I preach and pay it forward to others.
What's a typical session like with you?
A session with me is very real and down to earth. It's relatable and vulnerable. I set up an environment where clients can feel safe and where they can be themselves. So, when clients take a seat, I make sure that a session with me is above all relaxing. I like to have a warm environment because I really want clients to be comfortable, because during the session, it's their space. And I want to support them, wherever they are in their lives. That's really key. So, I use evidence-based methods, but I could tend not to use them formulaically because I want to respond to the client's needs in real time. And when you meet people where they are, and you meet them with warmth, doors open.
What makes you unique as the therapist?
I’d say what makes me unique as a therapist is that I'm personable, I truly care. I will go above and beyond to support my clients because they are trusting me to help them. And I want to be there for them the best way that I can. So, I definitely have a deep desire to help. And helping isn’t necessarily about 'solving problems' or 'labeling people.' Obviously, diagnoses can help us categorize a group of symptoms and help us get a handle on suffering. But really, it's about seeing the whole person that comes into your room. That's how I believe this truly works. When people come to you, you can be there for them, and be present with them. So when a client is giving me their time, I give them mine. That's an agreement I definitely like to establish. And I believe in it. Because being truly present for someone, the empathy that it generates, it's astounding.