We recently connected with Adrine Avetyan and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Adrine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

Jane Maki. To know her is to love her.
Jane was my clinical supervisor during my first experience at a community mental health clinic, a pivotal time in my journey toward becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I was a nervous, wide-eyed clinician, still in school and eager to secure my first traineeship to begin accumulating hours. That’s when I walked into Verdugo Mental Health for an interview, where I met Jane.
I’m fairly certain my voice trembled throughout the entire interview—I even wondered if she could understand a word I said. Yet, fourteen years later, Jane still fondly recalls my response to her question, “Why do you want to become a therapist?”
She hired me on the spot, and from that moment, a deep personal and professional relationship blossomed. Jane didn’t just teach me what to say or do in the therapy room; she taught me how to be with clients, how to truly be present. Her unique way of encouraging me to reflect on how I felt in the room—combined with her constant acceptance, validation, and unwavering belief in me—instilled a sense of confidence that has shaped both my practice and my life.
What Jane may not realize is how profoundly her belief in me has impacted not only my professional journey but also my personal life. She has this incredible ability to make her interns (and undoubtedly her clients) feel like they are the most capable, skilled people in the room. Because of her, I’ve taken risks I never thought I’d take, both in business and in life, and I owe much of that courage to the confidence Jane inspired in me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in Glendale, California, after moving from Armenia at the age of three. My parents were deeply committed to giving my brother and me the best possible opportunities for success. They worked tirelessly to provide for us, instilling in us the values of hard work, respect, and perseverance. Starting work at a young age taught me the importance of time, money, and effort, laying the foundation for my strong work ethic and meticulous approach to life.
After high school, I pursued my passion for helping others by earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in clinical psychology. I have always been driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Since 2010, I’ve been building my private practice, offering individual, family, and couples therapy. While I work with clients across a wide range of diagnoses, I specialize in anxiety and substance abuse disorders.
Recently, I decided to take a new path by opening a wellness spa focused on self-care. Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that in order to care for others, I must first take care of myself. This realization inspired me to create a space where various holistic practices—such as head spa treatments, meditation, and sound baths—can be utilized to promote healing and personal growth. My vision is to help people prioritize their well-being by nurturing both body and mind.
Ultimately, my goal is to lead by example, inspiring not only my children but also those around me. I truly believe that when each of us commits to caring for ourselves, the world becomes a kinder, brighter place.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would undoubtedly choose the same profession. I truly believe I’ve come to this life to learn and teach. I often talk about the passion I have for the work that I do. I feel truly blessed to be able to wake up every morning, with such excitement and enthusiasm to go to work. Scalp Sanctuary will be opening up in Pasadena by Fall of 2024, and it’s an extension of the work I’ve been doing for the past 14 years. I go to sleep and wake up with so much gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had, and continue to work toward.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

In my opinion, the relationship you build with your clients is the most critical element of a successful career or business. The knowledge we impart or the products we offer become secondary if the client doesn’t feel a genuine connection or trust in us. If there’s one thing worth investing time in, it’s fostering a loving relationship with yourself. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to share that authenticity and build meaningful connections with your clients.

If you were wondering… how I answered Jane’s question in my interview with her, was “I believe people need a witness in their journey through life, and I want to be that person for them.” :)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scalpsanctuary.com
• Instagram: @scalpsanctuary
• Facebook: Scalp Sanctuary

Image Credits

@nare.photography.la