You’ve tried to get help before…

But you left the doctor’s or therapist’s office feeling like they just didn’t get it. Your situation has not really fit the mold of standard everyday worry and anxiety. Whether it be your health issues, your symptoms, or your personality, you are seen as quirky and may often feel misunderstood.

You deserve to get the right help, right now.

We help children and adults who are paralyzed by the world around them to feel like they can move forward and enjoy their life, with strategies that disarm the anxiety and put them back into control. All you need to do to get started is to click the button below.

Meet Your Therapist

Dr. Lena Magardechian, MFT, PSY.D.

Registered Psychological associate #PSB94025331

Supervised by Dr. Nicole Connolly, Ph.D.

I am a registered psychological associate who is currently being supervised by Dr. Nicole Connolly, Ph.D. While I am working on completing my licensing requirements as a psychologist, I have had 15 years of prior experience in the mental health field that I draw on to understand your issues and to find ways to help you manage the anxiety that has overwhelmed your life. I have been with Connolly Psychology Group since 2021 and have trained extensively on OCD and anxiety treatment in particular.

I completed my B.A. in Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and obtained both my M.A. and Psy.D. in marriage and family therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). Throughout my education and training, I have gained diverse experiences working with children, teens and adults with a variety of challenges. I have particular expertise in working collaboratively with parents to understand their child’s challenges and to work together to help the family thrive.

Outside of my work with clients, I founded and serve as program director for both the Women’s Advocacy Club and the Men’s Advocacy Club in Glendale, CA, and I am passionate about both organizations’ mission to improve mental health awareness and to empower role models in the community. I also serve as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University in their Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

I grew up in a community and a generation where mental health and self care was frowned upon.  For that reason, I have always had a passion for helping people from all walks of life in learning to manage and understand their emotions without any judgment. I am eager to continue working to help both kids and adults overcome their fears and use practical tools to combat their anxiety and reclaim their lives.

What I love about doing this work is seeing people regain their hopes and dreams about their future without feeling burdened with their previous hardships and fears. I work hard to build trust with the clients I see because trust is one of the biggest pillars for being able to help children, adults, and families thrive.

Dr. Nicole Connolly, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

California License #PSY23260

After earning a B.A. in psychology with highest distinction at the University of Virginia (UVA), I completed both my M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During my graduate training, I obtained a variety of experiences helping children and adults with depression, anxiety, OCD, autism, and other related issues, while also conducting research focused on understanding the development of anxiety and depression in teens and young adults. I received an honorable mention from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program, and my research has appeared in several notable journals.

After completing my Ph.D. in 2007, I was accepted as a postdoctoral fellow specializing in autism spectrum disorders at The Help Group in Sherman Oaks, California. Through my postdoctoral training experiences, I further broadened my area of expertise to include providing assessment and therapy to autistic children, adolescents, and adults.

I continue to work diligently to improve my skills and knowledge of psychology through training and consultation with respected professionals. I have completed specialized intensive training on cognitive-behavioral therapy (the BTTI) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder through the International OCD Foundation. I have also completed the virtual professional intensive training (VPIT) on treating trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors through the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Additionally, I have specialized training in the comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics/Tourette (CBIT) - behavioral therapy for tics and Tourette Syndrome. I have completed multiple levels of training in the SPACE model (supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions) to better support parents of anxious children and adults who are struggling with failure to launch.

Throughout my education and career, I have made it a priority to seek out the best training from respected leaders in the field to best serve my clients. I work hard to stay up to date about new developments in the field to provide you with the best therapy and recommendations that I can. I also enjoy providing consultation to other mental health professionals and speaking to groups on topics related to my work.