Sara Tehrani
Encino,CA
Summary
Pre-marriage and family therapy professional with extensive experience supporting neurodiverse children and their families through CBT-informed, exposure-based, and family systems–oriented interventions. Over ten years of combined professional and lived experience working with children on the autism spectrum across home, school, and therapeutic settings. Experienced in addressing anxiety, avoidance behaviors, emotional dysregulation, and family accommodation patterns through structured, developmentally appropriate support. Seeking a psychology-related role aligned with preparation for graduate study in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Therapist /Behavioral Health Aide
Beautiful Minds Behavioral Services
Sherman Oaks, California
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) informed by functional behavior assessment principles to address anxiety-related behaviors, task avoidance, emotional dysregulation, and escape-maintained behaviors
- Utilized CBT-informed strategies, including emotional identification, cognitive flexibility support, coping skill development, and frustration tolerance training
- Implemented graduated exposure interventions under clinical supervision for children with debilitating anxiety, including school avoidance, separation anxiety, task refusal, and sensory-based fears
- Supported children in progressing through systematic exposure hierarchies, reinforcing adaptive coping responses and distress tolerance during anxiety-provoking tasks
- Reduced reliance on avoidance behaviors by promoting approach behaviors and gradual engagement across home and school environments
- Applied behavioral activation principles to increase participation in academic, social, and daily living activities
- Collected behavioral data and qualitative observations to monitor progress and inform treatment adjustments
- Maintained ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional boundaries consistent with behavioral health and counseling settings
Behavioral Aide
Enriched Family Center Therapy
Woodland Hills, California
03.2017 - 08.2018
- Supported neurodiverse children using family-centered and systems-based intervention frameworks
- Assisted in implementing treatment goals focused on anxiety reduction, emotional regulation, flexibility, and adaptive functioning
- Collaborated with parents and caregivers through parent coaching and psychoeducation, reinforcing consistency across family routines
- Addressed family accommodation of anxiety by supporting caregivers in reinforcing approach behaviors and maintaining predictable responses
- Modeled attuned communication strategies to strengthen parent–child interaction patterns
- Promoted generalization of therapeutic skills across home and community environments
- Coordinated care with supervising clinicians to ensure alignment with treatment goals
School-Based Behavioral Aide
Various School Settings
Los Angeles, CA
01.2013 - 05.2015
- Implemented behavior and regulation strategies within educational systems, addressing school-based anxiety, transitions, and peer interaction challenges
- Supported classroom environments using CBT-informed coping strategies and structured routines
- Assisted educators in reducing avoidance patterns and promoting emotional safety
- Documented behavioral observations to support interdisciplinary communication and planning
Behavioral Aide
kelly kratz MFT/BCBA
Los Angeles, CA
01.2011 - 08.2013
Family and Caregiver-Focused Interventions
- Collaborated with families using a family systems perspective, recognizing child symptoms as embedded within relational and environmental contexts
- Provided parent coaching on reinforcement strategies, boundary setting, and reducing accommodation of anxiety-driven avoidance
- Supported structural family dynamics, including routines, roles, and predictable caregiving responses
- Assisted caregivers in generalizing exposure-based strategies across home, school, and community settings
Preschool Teacher
JCC Jewish community center
West Hills
09.2009 - 06.2011
- Conducted classroom activities to stimulate physical, mental, and social development of preschool students.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporated creative teaching techniques.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians by regularly communicating student progress.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through problem solving activities.
- Provided individual attention to each student as needed during class time.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers on various projects related to curriculum design and implementation.
- Provided guidance regarding nutrition and healthy habits during snack time.
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors.
- Administered assessments throughout the year to gauge student understanding of content material.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN01-2025
High School Diploma -
Thoreau High School
Woodland Hills, CA06-2005
Skills
Family systems awareness
CBT-informed behavioral strategies
Anxiety and avoidance behavior support
Exposure-based intervention support (under clinical supervision)
Emotional regulation and distress tolerance coaching
Parent and caregiver collaboration
Behavioral observation and documentation
Trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming practice
Ethical practice and confidentiality
Cross-system collaboration (home, school, therapy)
Languages
Farsi
Professional
Hebrew
Professional
Spanish
Professional
English
Professional
Timeline
Behavioral Therapist /Behavioral Health Aide
Beautiful Minds Behavioral Services
01.2020 - 12.2023
Behavioral Aide
Enriched Family Center Therapy
03.2017 - 08.2018
School-Based Behavioral Aide
Various School Settings
01.2013 - 05.2015
Behavioral Aide
kelly kratz MFT/BCBA
01.2011 - 08.2013
Preschool Teacher
JCC Jewish community center
09.2009 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Capella University
High School Diploma -
Thoreau High School