Gina Shakelian
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California, with a Master’s degree from Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology and over nine years of clinical experience.
With more than twenty years of experience, I have dedicated my career to working with children and families in various cultures both in the US and internationally.
I currently work with adults navigating a range of concerns, including childhood trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges, immigration-related stress, attachment dynamics, mindfulness, and life transitions. My goal is to support clients in exploring their purpose and finding deeper meaning in their lives, while addressing the challenges, needs, and aspirations that arise along the way.
First session
In our initial session, we will begin with introductions and then focus on understanding the specific challenges you are encountering. This will enable me to develop a personalized plan for our subsequent sessions.
Strengths
With more than twenty years of experience, I have dedicated my career to working with children and families in various cultures both in the US and internationally. This extensive experience has shaped me into a culturally sensitive therapist. I am deeply committed to utilizing my expertise and professional background to assist clients in achieving their therapeutic goals. Additionally, I am certified in trauma-informed therapy and neurofeedback, enhancing my ability to provide comprehensive care.
Ideal clients
At this time, my practice is focused exclusively on individual therapy with adults, which allows me to provide specialized, consistent care within my current scope with a primary focus on childhood trauma. Childhood trauma often involves deep vulnerability. Individual therapy creates a private, controlled space where someone can build trust with the therapist without worrying about others’ reactions, judgment, or emotional responses. Individual therapy allows the full focus to remain on the individual’s thoughts, feelings, pace of processing, and tailors the approach entirely to the client’s readiness, which is often crucial for trauma work. Individual therapy can first help build emotional regulation, communication skills, and self-understanding. These tools often make later couples or family therapy more productive and less overwhelming.
Treatment methods
Gestalt
Gestalt therapy emphasizes self-awareness of present psychological and physical needs and personal responsibility, encouraging clients to explore their experiences fully and gain insight into how they relate to others and themselves. I utilize Gestalt therapy to help clients focus on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment and support them in achieving greater authenticity, self-acceptance, and overall emotional well-being.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in my practice to help clients explore and understand the different parts of themselves. I utilize IFS to assist clients access and heal their protective and wounded inner parts by helping them identify and communicate with these parts and gain insight into their origins and roles within their psyche.
Psychoanalytic
Psychoanalytic therapy is used in practice to explore unconscious thoughts, emotions, and past experiences that shape current behaviors and relationships. Through open dialogue, I work with clients to uncover underlying conflicts, patterns, and defenses that may contribute to distress or dissatisfaction. By addressing these deeper layers, clients can gain a better understanding of themselves, improve their emotional resilience, and cultivate more fulfilling relationships.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care in therapy practice emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment for clients who have experienced trauma. I utilize this approach to ensure that the therapeutic environment is supportive, respectful, and sensitive to clients' unique needs, fostering collaboration and choice in their healing process. By promoting a culture of empathy and understanding, trauma-informed care aims to facilitate healing, resilience, and the restoration of clients' sense of control and well-being.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 145383