Ali Moinzadeh

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice as well as a board-certified physician specializing in pain management and mind-body medicine. I have had a life-long interest in exploring the underlying principles and meanings of human existence and have dedicated my life as a gay man and a clinician to the better understanding of these matters, personally in my own life as well as clinically in my work with clients and patients across diverse socioeconomic, ethnic and religious backgrounds. I have had extensive training in psychoanalytic and Jungian psychology as well as somatic approaches and techniques including Somatic Experiencing, Bodynamics, Bioenergetics, and Five-Element Chinese Medicine). My specialty is depth work using analytic and somatic modalities to address a person's underlying concerns related to self-worth and self-acceptance. I bring particular attention in my practice to empowering clients to better understand the effects of their early childhood dynamics and various traumas growing up so they can develop healthier adult relationships that are more intimate and satisfying. I have worked with clients across the lifespan from children and teenagers all the way to elderly folk dealing with end of life issues. I work both with individuals and couples, and have a strong interest in the psychological well being and the development of healthy self-esteem in people who have been marginalized for whatever reason from their families of origin or culture. This includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, those questioning their sexual identity or dealing with coming out issues, as well immigrants and first-generation Americans who face issues related to multiculturalism. I am active in teaching in the community and participate in many educational conferences. seminars, and talks on gay and bisexual men and women’s mental health needs and healthy psychological development especially amongst people of color. I am engaged in ongoing clinical research into the process of embodiment that accompanies psychological individuation in sexual and ethnic minorities and use numerous tools and techniques from somatic psychology to inform my practice. I am fluent in Spanish, Persian, and French, and I also teach medical residents regarding in the University of California at Irvine School of Medicine regarding mind-body medicine.