Sheida Shavalian, AMFT

Sheida Shavalian Therapist

Therapist

Sheida Shavalian is a dedicated and experienced Marriage and Family Therapist with a strong educational background and a passion for helping individuals and families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Tehran, Iran, and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California.

Following her master’s degree, Sheida pursued her interest in psychoanalysis, engaging in extensive studies in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy. She started practicing this approach with clients, receiving supervision and undergoing her own therapy sessions to enhance her self-awareness, professional development, ethical practice, and clinical effectiveness. She firmly believes in the importance of these foundational pillars in providing high-quality care.

Recognizing the need for a versatile skill set, Sheida also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address a wider range of client issues. Her 10 years of experience as a therapist include working in both private practice and clinical settings, where she finds great fulfillment in supporting her patients’ mental health journeys.

Two years ago, Sheida expanded her expertise to include the field of substance use disorders. This work has been particularly rewarding, allowing her to make a positive impact on patients’ lives, face diverse challenges, continuously learn and develop professionally, and contribute to a supportive, collaborative environment. Her dedication to advocacy and awareness further underscores her commitment to this field.

In addition to her therapeutic practice, Sheida enjoys translating psychological articles from English to Persian. She also has a keen interest in movies and series, often engaging in reading psychological analyses and critiques of them.

Sheida’s approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to her clients’ well-being. Her diverse skills and experiences enable her to provide personalized, effective support to those she works with.