Love Across Cultures, Rooted in Respect
Cross Cultural and Interracial Marriage Counseling in the Bay Area
Cross cultural marriage counseling in the Bay Area gives couples from different cultural, racial, religious or family backgrounds a space to understand each other and feel closer.
If you are looking for cross cultural or interracial marriage counseling, I offer culturally informed, attachment based support in a respectful, non judgmental space. Differences in culture, race, religion, language or family background can enrich a relationship. They can also bring misunderstandings that are hard to name without help.
I am bilingual and offer sessions in English and Farsi, so Iranian couples can talk about their relationship in the language that feels most natural. With nearly 30 years of experience, I work extensively with cross cultural and immigrant couples.
Many couples in the Bay Area meet across cultures, at work, through friends or far from family. These relationships often carry real curiosity and openness. They can also call for extra patience, because each partner learned a different way to show love, handle conflict and make decisions.
In our work together, I provide a safe, respectful and structured space where both partners feel heard and valued. My approach draws on attachment based and experiential therapy and somatic awareness, and it helps you see how culture shapes identity, communication styles, expectations and emotional expression.
My office is in Menlo Park, close to Palo Alto and Mountain View. Couples also join by video from anywhere in California, including San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and Sunnyvale.
You can read more about couples therapy in Silicon Valley and premarital counseling in the Bay Area, or start with this article on the common problems cross cultural couples face.
In Experiential Couples Therapy
Common areas we may explore include
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Cultural differences in values and family structure
Gender roles, decision-making styles, and family expectations often reflect deeply rooted cultural norms. Clarifying these differences can reduce misunderstanding and resentment. -
Religious or spiritual beliefs
Differing belief systems may influence daily life, rituals, parenting, and long-term vision. -
Parenting philosophies
Cultural background strongly shapes views on discipline, education, emotional expression, and extended family involvement. -
In-law and extended family dynamics
In some cultures, family involvement is central and ongoing. Establishing healthy boundaries while maintaining respect can be essential. -
Life goals and expectations
Career aspirations, relocation decisions, financial priorities, and long-term planning may carry cultural meaning that deserves open dialogue.
Cultural differences do not have to divide a relationship. When explored with curiosity, empathy, and mutual respect, they can deepen understanding and strengthen partnership.
If you are feeling misunderstood, navigating family pressures, or struggling to bridge cultural gaps, I invite you to begin this work with me. Together, we can foster clarity, connection, and a more harmonious and secure relationship.
Is it hard to be in a cross cultural or interracial relationship?
It is not hard by nature, and many couples find it deeply enriching. It can take extra care, because each of you learned different ways to show love, handle conflict and involve family. Counseling gives you a place to talk about those differences with curiosity instead of blame. For more, read the common problems cross cultural couples face.
What is cross cultural marriage counseling?
It is couples counseling that pays attention to culture, race, religion, language and family background as well as the relationship itself. We look at how your backgrounds shape what each of you expects, how you communicate and how you show care. My approach is experiential and attachment based, as a PACT Level 1 trained therapist, with somatic awareness. If you are engaged, premarital counseling is a good time to begin.
Do you offer couples therapy in Farsi?
Yes. I am bilingual and offer sessions in English and Farsi, and you and your partner choose the language that helps you speak most freely. Iranian couples are welcome, and so are couples from any other background. You can learn more about Azizeh.
What do couples in cross cultural relationships work on?
Common topics are family expectations and boundaries with in-laws, religion and traditions, parenting, gender roles, money and where to live. You do not need a specific problem to begin. You can read more in 6 ways to strengthen a cross cultural relationship and 4 things to consider in a cross cultural marriage.
Where do you see couples, and how do we start?
My office is at 1134 Crane Street, Suite 218, in Menlo Park, close to Palo Alto and Mountain View, and couples also join by video from anywhere in California. To start, book a free 20-minute consultation or call (650) 206-9973. It is private, and there is nothing to prepare.