The Trauma Therapist The Wound Is Where The Light Enters with Dr. Shahrzad Jalali
Jan 11, 2026
Dr. Shahrzad Jalali, a licensed clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, blends neuroscience with mindfulness in her transformative work. She recounts her poignant journey from a traumatic car accident to finding purpose through writing and therapy. Shahrzad challenges cultural stereotypes around mental health, especially for Iranian women, while advocating for her unique Regulate to Rise program. She emphasizes that wounds can fuel growth and shares how shifting from victimhood to agency can lead to profound healing.
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Turning Point: Leaving Linguistics For Psychology
- Shahrzad left a near-complete PhD in linguistics after a mid‑twenties crisis and sought therapy with a Jungian analyst.
- That decision led her to move to the U.S., study psychology, and change her life's direction.
Car Crash That Shaped Her Work
- In her 30s Shahrzad survived a car crash that killed her father and caused severe injuries requiring surgeries.
- The trauma and sudden family role changes propelled her toward therapy, writing, and clinical focus on trauma.
Follow Passion, Use Discipline To Create
- Share practices that helped you; creativity and impact often emerge from following passion, not strict planning.
- Use disciplined execution to turn therapeutic insights into programs, books, or services.
