Shari Balbien, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Shari!

I work with children as young as five, adolescents, families, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, trauma, self-esteem, and grief. My goal is to create a safe space where you can explore your challenges and move toward healing.

My focus

I work well with young children, families, and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and communication issues. Together, we'll work to reduce intrusive symptoms, improve communication skills, and help you move toward a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

My approach

My approach to therapy is tailored to meet the needs of each individual client I work with, as I am client-centered first and foremost. I most frequently implement CBT, Family Systems, and Trauma-Informed Therapy as my clients and I build a strong relationship, identify the presenting problem, and collaborate to create an effective treatment plan.

My communication style

I believe my communication style is best described as gentle and personable. I strive to help my clients express themselves in a space that feels safe, validating, and free of judgment. For clients to realize the most benefit from therapy, he or she must feel comfortable disclosing their innermost thoughts and feelings within the therapeutic space.

My journey to mental healthcare

I derive great satisfaction and joy in helping individuals become the best versions of themselves. I was drawn to this work out of a lifelong passion for helping others, whether as a peer counselor, volunteer, or trusted confidant.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with clients is rooted in collaboration as we work together to define what you want to accomplish during our time together and create a roadmap with measurable steps to best help get you there. The first step is often to build trust between us and find comfort in what it means to be in therapy.

Our first session

The first session is a great opportunity to begin building a positive relationship and identifying how you, as the client, have been feeling recently, defining the primary issue that has brought you into therapy at this time in your life, and what you are hoping to gain from therapy. I will listen and ask questions to build a greater understanding.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Jewish

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Attachment-based

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Compassion Focused

Dialectical (DBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Gottman Method

Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 9 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 56 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Shari Balbien