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Headshot of Shiva Banafti, LCSW

Shiva Banafti

Therapist(She/her/hers)
8 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders, OCD, Sleep disorder, Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Anger management, Panic disorders, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Grief or loss, Physical health issues, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD, Infertility, Transgender issues, Diabetes, Chronic conditions
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing secure telehealth therapy. My work is grounded in a human-centered, trauma-informed approach, and one of my greatest strengths is the quality of therapeutic relationships I build with clients.

I have extensive experience supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or unsupported in past systems of care.

I prioritize consistency, reliability, and emotional safety, creating a therapeutic space that feels steady and supportive over time. I value meeting clients where they are and building trust at a pace that feels respectful and genuine.

My approach to therapy

My approach is warm, collaborative, and structured. I place strong emphasis on building a safe and consistent therapeutic relationship, as I believe meaningful change happens through trust and connection.

Sessions balance emotional exploration with practical tools, insight, and skill-building. I integrate evidence-based practices as appropriate while remaining responsive to each client’s unique needs and lived experience.

Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, I support clients in developing deeper self-understanding, strengthening coping strategies, and creating sustainable change over time.

What you can expect from me

The first session is focused on building comfort and clarity. We’ll discuss what’s bringing you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and any concerns you may have about the process.

I create an environment that is warm, grounded, and supportive, while also providing gentle structure. Together, we’ll begin identifying goals and outlining what therapy may look like moving forward.

Clients often leave the first session with a clearer sense of direction and a better understanding of how therapy can support them.

About me

  • I identify as
    Other Racial or Ethnic Background, Woman
  • My style is
    Warm, Holistic, Empowering

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    8 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of California, Los Angeles
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (California)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders, OCD, Sleep disorder, Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Anger management, Panic disorders, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Grief or loss, Physical health issues, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD, Infertility, Transgender issues, Diabetes, Chronic conditions
  • Therapy methods
    Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Narrative Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Relational, Psychodynamic, Brief Dynamic, Humanistic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing (CPT), Seeking Safety
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adolescents, Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English