About
I’m Dr. Ahoo Yara (she/her), formerly Sadaf Lotfalian, a clinical psychologist, psychedelic-assisted therapist, and mindfulness scholar in private practice. My clinical work integrates psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and third-wave therapies (DBT, ACT, mindfulness-based approaches), alongside somatic modalities like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. I’m also trained in Qigong, pranayama, Sufi mysticism, and Jungian psychology, and my research focuses on mindfulness-based breathwork for mental health.
I’ve completed advanced training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with COMPASS Pathways and Johns Hopkins, where I co-facilitated psilocybin sessions. I’ve taught on the therapeutic use of psychedelics for trauma, depression, and anxiety at institutions such as UCLA and Georgetown. I’m a grant recipient from the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, supporting safer, more ethical practices in plant medicine spaces. My work also includes roles with the Asian Psychedelic Collective and Psychedelic Liberation Collective, as well as writing on integration and psychological safety for The Maryland Psychologist.
Currently, I serve as Director of Education at Niroumand Foundation, support psilocybin research as a board member at Spudgene Company, and lead facilitator training. I’m also Director of Psilocybin Ceremonies & Research at Obsidiana, where I help integrate Indigenous wisdom, spirituality, and Western psychology into transformative healing spaces.
Born in Tehran and raised across multiple global cities, I identify as an immigrant and Third Culture Individual. My work centers on creating safe, brave, and compassionate spaces for healing (both individual and collective).
Acknowledgement
My community has been a significant source of growth and nourishment for me. I am the constellation of healers, educators, mentors, activists, artists, and leaders, who have helped me internalize the value of support, reliability, transparency, collaboration, and empowerment. These principles inform my vision of holding a space to feel heard and nurtured, lean into discomfort, and soften into healing.
My daily personal journey includes the committed practice of mindfulness and meditation—expanding the space within for the cultivation of present-moment, focused, compassionate, and responsible living. During my morning meditations, I often reflect on how I am feeling about my day and I end the practice grateful for the presence of a compassionate, listening heart.
I believe that with adversity there remains space for healthy expression, healing, and growth. Our ability to embrace this space is influenced by a complex, interconnected system. With a compassionate heart, my daily commitment is to show up for myself and the world, holding brave spaces that inspire motivation for our inner and collective well-being.
CV
Links
The Maryland Psychologist: Voices on Psychedelic Medicine Psychedelic Medicine Coalition National Psychedelic Policy Roundtable Obsicast Podcast Episode (English) Obsicast Podcast Episode (Persian) Soma Podcast, Episode 6 (Persian) Soma Podcast, Episode 10 (Persian) Soma Podcast, Episode 25 (Persian) The Institute for The Study of Birth, Breath, and Death