About Carolyn

“I never lose. I either win or learn.” — Nelson Mandela.
This guiding philosophy reflects Carolyn’s approach to therapy: setbacks are not failures, but opportunities for growth. Carolyn believes trauma can rob individuals of their identity and sense of worth, and her work centers on creating a safe, validating space where those losses are acknowledged and honored. Through therapy, she helps clients gently process their experiences, uncover resilience, and discover new ways of understanding themselves.

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Carolyn views healing as both restorative and transformative. She helps clients not only mourn what has been taken but also embrace the emergence of a stronger, more authentic self. Her goal is to guide clients toward a renewed sense of identity and purpose, supporting them in finding their place, value, and voice in the world.

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Education and Training

Carolyn holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She is fluent in Armenian and Farsi, allowing her to serve clients across diverse cultural, spiritual, and linguistic backgrounds. Her practice is guided by cultural humility and inclusivity, particularly when supporting immigrant families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those navigating cross-cultural, interfaith, or multigenerational challenges.

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Carolyn has advanced training in multiple evidence-based modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), the Gottman Method for couples therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She has also trained in therapy for couples impacted by infidelity and neurodiverse relationship dynamics.

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Specialties

Carolyn specializes in trauma-focused therapy for individuals, couples, children, and families. She uses EMDR and other modalities to address complex PTSD, dissociation, childhood trauma, and single-incident traumas such as accidents, assaults, or medical events. She also works extensively with survivors of narcissistic abuse, sexual assault, and individuals in high-stress professions such as law enforcement, military service, and emergency response.

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Her clinical interests also include relationship repair following infidelity, navigating the impact of ADHD and neurodiversity in couples and families, and attachment-focused work with individuals experiencing complex relational trauma. Carolyn has a particular interest in supporting creatives and artists, helping them process trauma, reconnect with their authentic voice, and overcome self-doubt or identity struggles.

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Therapeutic Approach

Carolyn creates a safe, empathetic, and collaborative environment where clients can feel heard, validated, and supported. Her therapy is deeply personalized, integrating evidence-based modalities with mindfulness and existential practices to foster self-discovery, resilience, and holistic healing. She balances compassion with gentle challenge, guiding clients toward deeper insight and long-lasting change.

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What to Expect

Clients working with Carolyn can expect an engaged and thoughtful therapist who actively listens and adapts treatment to their unique needs. Her commitment to empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical care ensures that each client feels empowered to navigate challenges, embrace their strengths, and move toward a more fulfilling life.

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Legal name: Carolin Babiyans, AMFT in CA #144956 is employed as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Leavitt Marriage and Family Therapy

Supervisor: Corinna Navarro, LCSW in CA #112576