Tina Karimi, LMFT

Hi and welcome! I’m Tina Karimi, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, California and the founder of The Connection Room. I am a first-generation Afghan-American woman with a passion for understanding human behavior and relationships. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been deeply curious about the “why” behind emotions and what triggers them. Over time, I came to understand that our emotions are highly influenced by the people around us—and it is so beautiful to know that we have the capacity to care so much about someone that it can hurt. As human beings, we are wired for connection and naturally seek co-regulation with others, we just have to know the best ways to do it.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2015 and my Master’s degree in Psychology in 2019, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have worked in the mental health field since 2015 and have extensive experience with a wide range of populations. My background includes working with all ages (elder adults, teenagers, children, adults) in various settings. I have provided care in outpatient settings for individuals with severe mental illness and substance use. I later expanded my work to include high achieving individuals who struggle with life skills surrounding stress management, anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationship challenges, work stress, life skills, trauma, burnout, parenting, and intimacy concerns.

Throughout my journey, I was able to narrow down my ideal client as being primarily couples.  My passion for working with couples deeply stems from my parents’ relationship, which began as an arranged marriage. As a teenager, I closely observed their dynamic and felt a strong desire to help them grow in comfort, intimacy, and vulnerability. Thirty-eight years later, they are still happily married and standing strong.

On a personal level, I am married as well—in an interracial marriage with a blended family. These lived experiences have deepened my relatability, empathy, and insight, and they meaningfully impact the way I support the couples I work with.

My goal as a couples therapist is to utilize research-based modalities to ensure that therapy is effective and leads to lasting change. My approach is warm, direct, culturally sensitive, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on working together as a team! (P.S. I am not a passive therapist, I like to be direct and call things out as I see them in live time. Although I am always happy to meet you where you are at). 

I am looking forward to connecting with you!