Nira Shah

I’m a South Asian licensed psychotherapist and yoga/meditation instructor, with 14 years of clinical experience. In addition to facilitating therapy, I’ve worked in clinical and research areas of international trauma, substance abuse, child protection, and social work. With a passion in humanitarian work and reaching vulnerable communities, I also spent several years working with refugees across sub-Saharan Africa and northern Thailand with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), focusing on child protection, sexual and gender based violence, and psychosocial support.

No matter who my client is, I’ve noticed a common trait: resilience. I’ve aligned my therapeutic orientations and style to match what I truly believe can help people heal and evolve— a combination of cognitive behavioral and holistic methods, to pull from evidence based approaches and ancient wisdom. I support clients in gaining insight, managing the overactive mind, regulating the nervous system, and creating deeper fulfillment in life. Of course all of this is easier said than done, which is why I’ve developed worksheets, guides, and practices for clients to engage in this personal growth work in way that extends beyond traditional therapy.

My specialties include anxiety and perfectionism, depression, dating distress, South Asian and cultural identity, and couples therapy.

Adaptive coping mechanisms are within all of us— we have an inner resilience that can allow us to not only feel more grounded, but thrive. It takes some tools and inner work, but that’s why I’m here— to guide you every step of the way.