Dr. El-Oqlah is a licensed psychologist in the state of California, with many years of experience as a practicing psychologist. Dr. El-Oqlah’s approach combines deep expertise and application of gold-standard evidenced-based practices with a collaborative and relational approach. Dr. El-Oqlah focuses on teaching skills and tools to build self-awareness, understand problematic barriers that each client may present with, and assist in modifying unhelpful patterns and behaviors that may impede progress and long-term well-being. Providing these tools within an environment of empathy, active listening, and non-judgment is essential to her practice. She has worked with college students, veterans, and couples and families across a spectrum of diverse cultural backgrounds. Dr. El-Oqlah specializes in couples therapy, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, identity-development, and trauma. 

Dr. El-Oqlah considers the unique experiences of each client alongside the systems they live in, tailoring the treatment approach to client’s needs and goals. She is attuned to the importance of cultural and social factors that influence client’s worldviews and histories, and uses a multicultural, humanistic, and liberatory approach when working with clients. Through her work in college counseling settings, she has gained extensive experience working with South Asian, Southwest Asian and North African (SSWANA) populations, as well as Muslim populations. 

Dr. El-Oqlah considers therapy a success when her clients meet the goals that they establish in treatment, can clearly identify areas of improvement in their mood and quality of life, and have developed effective skills and tools to maintain long-term well-being. By the time therapy is complete, many of her clients experience significant improvements in their mood, self-understanding, relationships, and greater connection with what is meaningful and valuable in their lives. 

Self-care is a crucial aspect of Dr. El-Oqlah’s life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring California, dancing to live music, trying new restaurants, and being outside in nature.