Sha'Leda Mirra

I am Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra, a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, and pastor, committed to integrating faith and evidence-based mental health care. I hold advanced degrees in theology, social work, and psychology, and I serve as the founder of The Heart Centered Journey, where I provide holistic, client-centered therapy. My practice specializes in anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and the intersection of mental health and spirituality, including Christian counseling. I utilize approaches such as CBT, ACT, and Internal Family Systems to support clients in healing, growth, and emotional regulation. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where individuals can explore their experiences, strengthen their inner resilience, and move toward wholeness.

I work with clients in a way that is both clinically grounded and deeply compassionate, creating a space where they feel seen, safe, and supported without judgment. My style is collaborative and integrative. I don’t position myself as the expert on your life, but as a guide who helps you make sense of your experiences, patterns, and emotions while building practical tools for change.

I specialize in working with anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and the intersection of mental health and spirituality. For clients who desire it, I offer Christian counseling that thoughtfully integrates faith with evidence-based practices, helping align emotional healing with spiritual growth. I also have a strong focus on emotional regulation, boundary work (especially for those with porous or rigid boundaries), and helping clients move from survival patterns into intentional, values-driven living.

In sessions, I draw from approaches like CBT, ACT, and Internal Family Systems, tailoring each session to the client’s needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. This might look like identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns, developing mindfulness and acceptance skills, or exploring different “parts” of the self to promote internal harmony and healing.

Clients can expect their first session with me to feel welcoming, structured, and centered on building trust. I intentionally create a calm, nonjudgmental environment where you can share at your own pace without feeling pressured to have it all together. My priority is helping you feel seen, heard, and emotionally safe from the very beginning.

During this initial session, we will talk through what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, and any relevant personal, emotional, or spiritual history. I will ask thoughtful questions to better understand your experiences, patterns, and goals, while also giving you space to express what matters most to you. If you desire, we can also explore how your faith or spiritual life connects to your healing process.

Together, we will begin identifying initial goals for therapy. These might include improving emotional regulation, reducing anxiety or stress, processing past experiences, strengthening boundaries, or navigating a life transition. I also provide a brief overview of how I work, including the approaches I use, so you have clarity about what our work together can look like.

By the end of the first session, clients often leave with a clearer understanding of their needs, a sense of direction for the work ahead, and at least one practical tool or insight they can begin applying right away. Most importantly, you can expect to leave knowing you have a supportive partner in your healing journey.