Whether you’re struggling with overwhelm, burnout, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationships, or adjustments to what I like to call the kiss/slap of life, we (you & I) have the ability to traverse these issues and find perspective, prosperity, and peace. I’m Shadya, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and therapist, who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of CA Davis, and a Master’s in social work, with a specialty in mental health and addiction, from Simmons University in Boston, MA. I tend to utilize multiple approaches and modalities to work collaterally with my clients to aid in the realization of their ideals of betterment. I have more than 10 years of experience working with folks of different demographics and communities, who have struggled with varying degrees of mental health distress. With me, you will be centered as the expert of your own life, while my aim is to humbly use my body of knowledge to aid in the opening of doors in the spaces where you may perceive only barriers. It may help you to know I came to this work organically as I have grown, healed, and become a better version of myself through my own engagement in the therapeutic process. I fanatically believe in the power of aligning with mental health professionals, and I’ve had the privilege to bear witness to clients become who they want to be, learn to live how they choose, fall in love with themselves, and sometimes, slay dragons. You inherently have within you the potential to do the same. Make an appointment, and let’s see where we can begin. *All identities, orientations, quirks, and kinks are profoundly welcome.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I know that starting with a new therapist can be really scary, so good job making it here! I think it's important to say, especially for folks who are new to therapy, that you are very much in charge of this space. I like to think of first sessions as an audition in which I am hoping to get to play a part in the growth or healing you hope to see in yourself. It is a huge privilege to do this work and I do not take that lightly. In our first session, we'll start with introductions and housekeeping items like a review of confidentiality and the limits therein, attendance policy, and preferred communication methods between sessions. Then we'll get to know each other a bit -I welcome questions about myself that feel relevant to you, and I will be asking you questions about yourself -your lore or history, who is in your life, what's going right, what's going wrong, and most importantly what you hope to get out of therapy. It's important to remember that honesty and openness will serve you most, but you can decline to respond to anything I ask, especially since I will not have had a chance to earn your trust or respect just yet, again, this your space and we move at your pace. I hope to get a chance to meet you!
The treatment methods and tools I utilize
I employ multiple/mixed approaches, modalities, and techniques, as one size does not fit all. This may include, but is not limited to: CBT, DBT, trauma informed care, ACT, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and existential therapy. The over-arching determinate of which set of theories, tools, and interventions are useful in our work together is you, the individual. Who you are and what you want for yourself, along with your particular strengths and challenges, will illuminate which course of action may be most useful for the both of us in our sessions together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Probably some of my biggest strengths are in my ability to shift perspectives and align to empathize and understand where my client is coming from, how they occupy their space, and sort of intuiting what they may need or want from me in a given moment. I do believe myself to have a proclivity for this work, but I would never rest on that alone. I work hard to practice this craft with integrity and good ethics, striving to continuously expand my knowledge and experience so that I can feel confident in the care that I offer.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I'll meet every client where they are, and do not have a particular population preference. I've worked with involuntary clients in the past, so working with folks who just want to be here feels like a gift!
4 ratings with written reviews
July 14, 2025
Shady was a breath of fresh air. I feel completely at ease sharing in a safe space with her.
May 8, 2025
I was looking for a Black woman as my therapist and I found Shadya-- been with her for years and she's been great to me! Very grateful to have her as a young Black woman navigating my identity and adulthood.
April 29, 2025
I have had a few sessions with my therapist and have found her to be very knowledgeable about addiction and mental health. She approaches our sessions with authenticity, and I feel safe, supported, and able to be fully honest and vulnerable with her. Her understanding and presence have been an important part of my healing process.