Shiva Banafti

LCSW, 9 years of experience
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New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience providing therapy to adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have worked in high-acuity community mental health settings, supporting individuals with complex needs, which has shaped my ability to meet clients with both depth and flexibility. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in building a strong therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported, while also helping them develop insight and practical tools for change. My goal is to support clients in creating meaningful, sustainable progress in their lives.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is focused on building comfort and clarity. We’ll discuss what’s bringing you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and any concerns you may have about the process. I create an environment that is warm, grounded, and supportive, while also providing gentle structure. Together, we’ll begin identifying goals and outlining what therapy may look like moving forward. Clients often leave the first session with a clearer sense of direction and a better understanding of how therapy can support them.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths is the ability to build strong, genuine therapeutic relationships. I prioritize creating a consistent, supportive space where clients feel comfortable showing up as they are, which often helps them stay engaged and make meaningful progress over time. Alongside this relational approach, I integrate evidence-based strategies to help clients better understand their patterns, strengthen coping skills, and move toward their goals. My experience working with high-acuity and diverse populations has also strengthened my ability to adapt to each client’s needs while maintaining a steady, supportive presence.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward. Many of the clients I work with are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, or the impact of past experiences. You may be someone who is used to pushing through on your own, but are now looking for support, clarity, or a different way of coping. You might not have all the answers yet — and that’s okay. Therapy can be a space to slow down, better understand what you’re going through, and begin making changes at a pace that feels manageable.

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Virtual
My treatment methods

Trauma Informed Care

I approach therapy through a trauma-informed lens, recognizing that many experiences can shape how we think, feel, and relate to others. I focus on creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and collaborative, where clients can move at a pace that feels right for them. Building trust and a sense of safety is always at the center of the work.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I believe one of the most important parts of therapy is feeling genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can show up as they are, without pressure or judgment. From there, we move at a pace that feels comfortable, allowing clarity and growth to develop naturally.

Relational

I place a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as an active part of the work. I focus on building a genuine, consistent connection where clients feel supported and safe, while also exploring patterns that may show up in relationships and everyday interactions. This kind of consistent connection often helps clients stay engaged, deepen insight, and make meaningful, lasting progress.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use CBT to help clients better understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. Together, we identify patterns that may be contributing to distress and work toward more balanced, helpful ways of thinking and responding. I keep this work practical, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs.

Motivational Interviewing

I use Motivational Interviewing to support clients who may feel stuck, unsure, or pulled in different directions. Through a collaborative and nonjudgmental approach, we explore your goals, values, and readiness for change. This process helps build clarity, confidence, and a sense of forward movement.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.