Shirin Sharifha, Ph.D.
Shirin Sharifha, Ph.D.
(she/her)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with over two decades of experience. I specialize in working with individuals facing depressive disorders, bereavement and grief, self-esteem issues and those navigating life transitions. I have a genuine curiosity about people and deeply appreciate their uniqueness. My open mindedness and empathy allow me to connect with clients, creating a supportive environment that respects and honors the distinct experiences of each individual. When you feel sad, isolated, misunderstood, and you struggle with issues related to self worth, or when you experience losses in your life, therapy can offer you support so that you could find meaning in those experiences, and ultimately live a more fulfilling life.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, I aim to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing what brought you to therapy. We will also discuss your background and history so that I can get to know you better. Together, we will identify your treatment goals and plans to achive them. While building rapport is an ongoing process, our first session will lay the foundation for a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
In the past 27 years, I have worked in various community mental health centers and forensic settings. This background has equipped me to effectively support individuals across a wide spectrum of needs, from those who are highly vulnerable to those who are high-functioning. I genuinely care about people and I am deeply committed to help people lead fulfilling lives. I understand that each individual walks on this earth with their own unique stories and I would like to be part of their journey by facilitating their self-discovery and growth.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I truly enjoy working with clients who are ready to engage in meaningful self-exploration and personal growth. My ideal clients are open to looking beneath the surface, reflecting on patterns, challenges and emotional wounds. I especially welcome individuals navigating cultural identity, intergenerational dynamics, or complexities of bicultural life. A willingness to reflect, engage thoughtfully, and take an active role in the therapeutic process can create a powerful foundation for transformation. I also offer therapy in Farsi for clients who feel more comfortable expressing themselves in their native language.
About Shirin Sharifha, Ph.D.
I identify as
Serves ages
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Psychodynamic
I have extensive experience working with various therapeutic approaches, with a particular focus on psychodynamic therapy. In our sessions, we will work together to uncover your conflicting thoughts and feelings and hidden reasons that trigger them. We will explore how your past experiences shape your current emotions and behaviors. This approach has been particularly helpful for those experiencing early traumas, self-esteem issues and depression. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps you gain deeper insight into your thoughts and actions, fostering healing and growth.
Humanistic
In a nurturing and supportive environment, we will work collaboratively to understand the challenges you are facing. Using an existential approach, we will explore what makes you unique- your values, your beliefs, and experiences- to help you discover a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in your life. This approach can be particularly helpful when navigating depression, see-esteem issues, grief and loss, or the emotional impact of cancer diagnosis.
Eclectic
Depending on the presenting problems, I am able to adapt my orientation to your needs. I have used CBT techniques in treatment of depression and anxiety. I have also incorporated strength-based and mindfulness approaches to address various challenges during sessions.