LMFT, 8 years of experience
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California, with a Master’s degree from Alliant International University and over eight years of clinical experience. 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.
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.
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.
My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with my clients and create an atmosphere of empathy and trust. I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. My practice provides a non-judgmental, compassionate, and secure environment where you can explore your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs, empowering you to make meaningful changes in your life.
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.
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 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 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.
11 ratings with written reviews
July 30, 2025
Gina is an amazing therapist, she is truly one of a kind. She is not only empathic, kind and listens but she also gives you solution based therapy. She's intelligent and informative and explains the entire thought process behind why we do what we do which really helps me unpack everything throughly. She is truly the only therapist I have ever went to who has made me feel hopeful and excited towards a new way of life! 10/10 would recommend her to anyone who wants to experience true peace.
May 22, 2025
When I met Dr. Gina, I had trouble getting out of bed. My PTSD and past trauma were immobilizing me. Through her therapy method, IFS, I have learned to listen to myself, move through past trauma, and heal myself. She is someone I look forward to speaking with because she brings her authentic self (core-self) to our meetings which empowers me and makes me feel supported, heard, and cared for.
May 8, 2025
Dr Shakelian is so warm and easy to talk to. She’s empathetic and approaches problems unbiased and pragmatically and puts things in a way that makes sense to me. She provides real solutions I can use and helpful tools for coping specific to my issues. I always enjoy our conversations and feel like I get so much clarity after each session. Thank you Dr for your support!