Iranian thinker
Farhang Holakouee
Farhang HolakoueePsychology and CounselingIranian
Life and Thought
Farhang Holakouee (born 1944) is an Iranian-American psychologist, sociologist, and family counselor, renowned for his radio and television psychological counseling programs for the Persian-speaking community. With over four decades of work, he has played a significant role in reducing the taboo of discussing mental and family issues among Iranians. Holakouee is also the founder of the Beverly Hills Center for Well-Being.
Farhang Holakouee Naeini was born on September 1, 1944, in Shiraz. He received a master's degree in economics and psychology from the University of Tehran and then moved to the United States for further studies. He earned a master's degree in marriage, family, and child counseling and a PhD in sociology from the University of Utah. Before emigrating, he taught for some time at the University of Tehran.
From the 1980s onward, Holakouee began extensive work in psychology education and counseling for the Iranian diaspora. He has hosted numerous radio and television programs, including "Razha va Niazha" (Secrets and Needs), where he answers listeners' questions about relationships, marriage, parenting, self-esteem, and social problems. His direct and practical speaking style has earned him widespread popularity among Persian speakers.
Holakouee is the founder of the Beverly Hills Center for Well-Being and has conducted numerous seminars and training courses on child development, anger management, marital relationships, and mental health. He has endeavored to make psychological concepts accessible to the general public in simple language and to promote the culture of seeking counseling within the Iranian community. He currently lives and works in Los Angeles.
