About Dr. Edden Agonafe
PsyD, MA
Dr. Edden Agonafer (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults who present with a wide range of concerns. Dr. Agonafer is a culturally sensitive, integrative, and holistic practitioner who tends to the needs of “the whole person.” Her approach focuses on cultural humility and sensitivity, trauma-informed care, assessment of strengths and areas of development, and collaborative care. Dr. Agonafer also specializes in working with clients who want to explore the intersection of mental health and Christianity.
Dr. Agonafer has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings, including school-based counseling, community mental health, multidisciplinary care, and college counseling centers. She offers various clinical services to both individuals and groups, outreach and prevention support (workshops, trainings, public speaking), and topic-specific consultation. Currently, she is an Adjunct Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program in Rossier School of Education at USC.
Dr. Agonafer grew up in Texas and relocated to California to pursue her graduate studies. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and Family Services from The University of Texas at Austin. She completed her Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, and Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
A Note on
Therapy vs. Life Coaching
Participating in therapy is not the same as seeing a life coach. Therapy addresses and heals areas of life that are significantly impacted while coaching focuses on enhancing the quality of life without unpacking past experiences and pains. A life coach offers insight and motivation for change while a therapist (e.g., psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist) provides treatment to provide support on various and potentially long-standing issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, eating-related disorders, and complex relationship issues.
