Today we’d like to introduce you to Czarina Azzam.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey to becoming a psychologist began in childhood, when I was deeply curious about why people cause harm and how survivors—especially children—could be helped to heal. That early spark of wondering eventually grew into a lifelong calling. Along the way, I had to face my own childhood wounds. Through therapy, education, and years of self-reflection, I came to understand myself more fully and found strength in transforming my pain into purpose.
I pursued forensic psychology and went on to earn my PhD in psychology, determined to dedicate my work to those impacted by trauma. Today, I run my own private practice where I specialize in supporting women with complex trauma. The freedom of shaping my practice has allowed me to blend clinical expertise with a spiritual lens—helping clients not only process their suffering but also uncover meaning, growth, and resilience within it.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the influence of spiritual leaders, the love and encouragement of my family, the presence of close friendships, and the wisdom of mentors who guided me. My community has been a source of strength, reminding me of the power of connection and compassion. My own meditation practice also grounds me, helping me show up fully for my clients and bring a sense of calm and clarity into the work I do.
I truly love what I do. Each day, I get to witness women reconnecting with their inner strength, reclaiming their voices, and realizing they are more than what they’ve endured. It’s a privilege to walk alongside them in this healing journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—it’s been one paved with grief, endurance, dedication, tears, and grit. Graduate school came with its own set of challenges, from the academic demands to the emotional weight of training. I worked with diverse populations in correctional facilities, addiction treatment, and severe mental illness, each experience stretching me in ways that were both difficult and transformative.
At the same time, I was navigating my own insecurities and self-doubt, often questioning whether I was truly adequate to do this work. Therapy, along with the support of my relationships, helped me see things differently. I learned the importance of self-care, patience, and compassion—for myself as much as for others.
Those struggles ultimately shaped me into the psychologist I am today. Each challenge deepened my empathy and gave me perspective, reminding me that growth often comes from the hardest seasons. Overcoming those doubts has been part of honoring the greater purpose of this work: helping others find healing and meaning in their own suffering.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Psychotherapy by Dr. Azzam, PLLC, is my private practice, where I specialize in working with women who have experienced trauma. My focus is on helping clients reconnect with their inner child, heal the parts of themselves that have been suppressed, and create new meaning from their suffering. Clinically, I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), parts work, and mindfulness, while also bringing in a spiritual lens to support deep, holistic healing.
What sets my practice apart is its integrative approach. Beyond traditional psychotherapy, I also offer Reiki energy healing and spiritual life coaching, which allow clients to access mind–body–spirit healing in ways that feel expansive and restorative. Looking ahead, I am preparing to incorporate ketamine-assisted therapy into my practice next year, as part of my commitment to offering innovative and effective treatments for trauma and emotional pain.
I am most proud of the way Psychotherapy by Dr. Azzam, PLLC, empowers women to reclaim their voices, strengthen their sense of self, and live with greater freedom. My website, CuriousCatPsychotherapy.org, reflects the brand’s spirit of curiosity and compassion—reminding us that we can bravely turn inward and explore the hidden corners of our lives. Whether through psychotherapy, energy healing, or spiritual guidance, my work is about helping clients move through pain and toward authenticity, connection, and wholeness.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice for those just starting out is to try as many things as possible. In the beginning, it can be tempting to immediately choose a niche or decide what kind of therapist you want to be—but the truth is, you don’t really know until you’ve stretched yourself. Work with different populations, settings, and presenting issues. Each experience will teach you something about your skills, your values, and your limits.
Don’t be afraid to discover what isn’t a good fit—that’s just as important as finding what is. Early on, I thought I knew which populations I wanted to serve, but it was only through working in places like correctional facilities and addiction treatment centers that I realized where my passion and strengths truly lie. It’s okay to say, “This isn’t the work I want to do,” because that clarity ultimately helps you build a practice that feels authentic.
I wish I had known earlier that the process of becoming a clinician is as much about self-discovery as it is about serving others. Trust that the path will unfold as you learn, and allow yourself to grow through both the challenges and the surprises along the way. And above all, take care of yourself holistically—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The more grounded and nourished you are, the more fully you can show up for the people you serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://curiouscatpsychotherapy.org
Image Credits
photo credit: Cynthia Azzam, and Os Galindo
