I deeply understand the complexities of seeking support and the courage it takes to embark on this journey. My experiences have shaped my approach to therapy, making me empathetic to the struggles and triumphs of my clients. I’m here to provide a compassionate, open-minded space to work together towards your goals and well-being. I’m committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where you feel understood and valued. Compassion in our sessions means I listen to you with empathy and care, acknowledging your challenges and celebrating your progress. This supportive approach helps foster a trusting relationship where you can openly explore and address your concerns. I am dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, which allows me to stay current with the latest research and best practices in the field. This commitment enhances my ability to provide effective, evidence-based interventions and support.

I am a straight-forward but empathic therapist, who also appreciates the same from her clients. I also believe in the social work mission of starting where the client is, so sessions are based upon that analogy. I have experience in many areas, including hospital, foster care, group homes, forensics, Veterans, home health, etc. I received my Masters of Social Science Administration from Case Western Reserve Univerity, and my Doctorate of Psychology from California Southern University. Although I have a doctorate degree, my scope of practice does not fall under psychological testing, pharmacological practices, nor community services. I only do individual therapy so if you need case management (such as letters), family/couples therapy, psychologicial testing, or medication, please refer to those licensed or practicing in those areas.

Hi - I'm John, and I'm glad you're here. Maybe you know the heaviness of a loss. The inner critic that won't let up. Or that anxious tightness in your chest that greets you in the morning. Here’s what I believe: You’ve already got all the inner equipment you need to move towards healing. Towards your most authentic, hot mess of an eclectic Self. My goal is to accompany you on a journey - inside. I work with adults seeking healthier ways to relate to themselves and others. I work with people who have been hit by life. Who are looking for a place to feel supported and witnessed when they’re in the thick of it.

I feel very fortunate to have grown up in the Bay Area, but never truly appreciated it until I left and came back. I attended high school in Marin at the Branson School in Ross. After High School I left for Wheaton College in Massachusetts where I earned a B.A. in Psychology. I moved to Florida where I received my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Prior to earning my Masters in Psychology I spent a number of years working in child and adolescent residential treatment centers in both San Francisco and Orlando, Florida. It was at this time that I fell in love with working with adolescents, adults, and their families. After graduate school, I found myself working for, and soon thereafter managing, an inpatient treatment program for adolescents who had experienced severe trauma. I returned to California for good in 2011 where I started working as the Lead Therapist for the Adolescent Outpatient Program at Fremont Hospital. I opened a part time private practice in 2012 and transitioned to a full time practice in San Francisco in early 2013.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences. In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.

My name is Dr. Sheilly Arora, and I have been a practicing psychologist for nearly 20 years. I genuinely love what I do and consider it a privilege to help people navigate life's challenges and improve their overall well-being. I specialize in several evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and PTSD. My primary clinical focus is **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)**, the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for chronic sleep difficulties. It is incredibly rewarding to see how transformative this approach can be, and I look forward to helping you achieve more restful sleep and a better quality of life if insomnia has been affecting you. Originally from the East Coast, I completed both my internship and postdoctoral training in California and have proudly called it home ever since. I feel fortunate to live and work in a community where I can do meaningful work helping others every day. This version reads naturally for a professional website, highlights your expertise in CBT-I, and conveys warmth without sounding overly formal. If your audience is primarily veterans or patients in a medical setting, I can also make it feel a bit more approachable and relatable.

I wholeheartedly believe it’s my role as a therapist to assist you in realizing, accessing and cultivating the internal and external resources that you already possess. Stress, conflict, and pain are those given aspects of life. I'll support you in healing, reconnecting and making empowering choices to achieve peace and feel more joy on a daily basis. Together, we will create a safe space for vulnerability and strength; both are needed for change. Our sessions will allow you to move through stuck points in your mind, relationships and environment. My approach is empathic, direct, emotionally supportive and solutions focused.