Shallymar Bender, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Shallymar!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is to meet my clients where they are, and we focus on long-term and short-term goals as we meet each week. I work with individuals with anxiety and depression.

My focus

The types of clients I typically work with are individuals with anxiety, depression, or a combination of both. I have worked with individuals with anxiety and depression by providing validation, coping skills, relaxation skills, and practicing these skills in sessions with my clients.

My approach

The most common approaches to therapy are CBT and talk therapy. I don't always stay to the "book" for CBT, but I do implement skills a lot. I believe in letting the client be the one to lead the topics, but I will always tie it back to your goals. I also use my human development degree to help explain things further and more clearly.

My communication style

I would describe my communication style as being more relaxed and comfortable. I will also change my background to meet the comfort of my clients as well as my own. I have been told that I bring a realness to sessions and have had clients share that they appreciate the real-world examples that I bring into sessions.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always been interested in helping others, and when I first learned about Psychology and what it means, I felt drawn to mental health work at that point. I was a peer counselor in High School, which solidified my interest in helping others. I took a lot of psychology and Human Development classes, and I saw how much they could help.

My goals for you

In my opinion, the client is in the driver's seat when it comes to therapy. I will take all of what was discussed and work with the client to phrase and develop goals that will help with the reduction of symptoms or increase the use of skills, to help work on treating the client.

Our first session

The first session is a get-to-know-each other session. I explain the process of therapy, but also explain that the session will go at the pace of the client. I meet you where you are and adapt my approach as needed. I am flexible and will work with you to help you feel comfortable as we start our journey together.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White, Hispanic or Latinx

Expertise

Specialties

+ 10 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

+ 1 more

Focus populations

Body Positivity

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

LGBTQIA+

Non-Binary

+ 4 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 55 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from California State University, San Bernardino.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Shallymar Bender