About Imani
Soares-Benford, AMFT

Therapy for adults navigating change, identity, relationships, and the complexities of life
Los Angeles, CA and online across California

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My story

Hi, I'm Imani

Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable. Sometimes you know exactly what is bringing you in, and other times you simply know that something doesn't feel quite right. You may be moving through a transition, questioning parts of yourself, struggling in your relationships, or feeling disconnected from the person you want to be.

Wherever you are starting from, I believe you deserve a space where you don't have to have everything figured out before you walk through the door.

As a therapist, I’m interested in the stories we carry about ourselves and the ways those stories shape how we move through the world. I see therapy as an opportunity to become curious about those stories, understand where they come from, and explore whether they continue to reflect the life you want to live.

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My journey to becoming a therapist.

My interest in becoming a therapist began with experiencing mental health struggles within my own family. Growing up in a family where these struggles were present but
not often talked about sparked my curiosity about why people are the way they are, how our experiences shape us, and how our relationships influence us. That curiosity grew
into a deeper interest in understanding people and the stories behind what we see on
the surface.

My own multicultural background has also shaped the way I think about identity and belonging. With Cape Verdean, Brazilian, and American roots, I understand that identity can hold many different influences and experiences. These layers have taught me to approach each person's story with openness and curiosity.

I became a therapist because I value being alongside people as they make sense of
their experiences and discover new ways of understanding themselves.

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I’m curious about the experiences that have
shaped you.

Anxiety, relationship difficulties, burnout, family dynamics, questions about identity, and major life transitions can all influence the way we see ourselves and move through the world.

I’m interested in understanding the bigger picture of who you are and what has brought you here. What experiences have shaped the way you understand yourself? What have you learned about relationships and the people around you? What are you carrying with you, and what might you be ready to approach differently?

Together, we can explore these questions with curiosity and compassion, creating space for greater awareness and a deeper understanding of what you need.

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I bring curiosity, warmth, and openness into the therapy room.

I see therapy as a collaborative process. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you slow down and notice patterns, feelings, and experiences that can be difficult to see when you're in the middle of them.

I’m particularly interested in the patterns that develop within our relationships and the ways they can continue to influence how we connect with others as adults. I also recognize that our experiences can live in the body as much as they live in our thoughts.

When it feels supportive, I incorporate mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding practices into our work.

Our Sessions Are Focused
On You

Therapy can offer a space to step away from the expectations and noise around you and reconnect with yourself.

You don't need to arrive with a perfectly defined goal or know exactly what you want to talk about. We can begin with what feels most present for you and allow our work to unfold from there.

My hope is that therapy helps you develop a stronger sense of yourself, recognize what you need, and feel more confident making choices that are aligned with your values and the life you want to create.

As A Therapist, I Embrace The
Following Philosophies

I believe you deserve a space where you can be fully yourself.
I believe understanding ourselves can change the way we relate to the people around us.
I believe our identities are complex, and we don't have to fit ourselves into one definition.
I believe slowing down can create room for clarity.
I believe therapy isn't about becoming a different person; it can be about becoming more connected to who you already are.
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The professional stuff

My Professional Background

I received my M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College and my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Oregon.

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #164122) practicing under supervision.

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Let’s discover how I can help.

If you're thinking about starting therapy, you don't need to know exactly where the process will take you.

We can begin with a conversation about what you're experiencing, what you're hoping for, and whether working together feels like the right fit. I'd be honored to meet you where you are and explore what therapy could look like for you.

Email me at: [email protected]
I'm here for you.