Merideth Bowen Shamszad,

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (58805)

(510) 595-5500 x20

Supervised by Merry Ross, MFT (37401)

About me   I received my Master's in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, with a specialization in expressive arts. Also a graduate of the Institute for Health and Healing's Integrative Medicine Program and a registered physical therapist, I have specialized training in using guided imagery, expressive arts and psychotherapy to assist clients with a variety of challenging medical and psychological conditions. As a writer, painter and student of drama therapy, I know firsthand the power of the arts to create personal transformation.  Therapy can transform lives, and I am committed to working with you to create a therapeutic process which will encourage and support your intrinsic ability to change, heal and grow.

Areas of Specialization

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Trauma
  • Catastrophic or chronic illness
  • Creative blocks
  • Caregiver burnout
  • Parenting
  • Relationship conflict
  • Female sexual problems
  • Addiction and codependency
  • Self-esteem concerns
  • Shame
  • Historical trauma

 

My Philosophy  When the pain we are carrying becomes too great, it speaks to us as our symptoms.  As we try to cope, we rely on old patterns that may have served us at other times in our lives, but now merely complicate our struggle.  We become confused and lose our way.  The inner noise of our suffering obscures the quiet--though ever-present--voice of our own intuition and wisdom, the deep healer within. 

Inner Work  If you find yourself struggling, the sensitive and attuned psychotherapy I provide can help.  Using guided imagery and the arts, we can work together to explore and untangle your distress and illuminate the uniquely creative solutions that lie within you, waiting to be recognized.  New parts of yourself, long obscured by the struggle, will come forth to surprise us both with their humor, insight and depth.  Life will become a little easier and a lot more fun. 

Relationship Work  If you are grappling with a relationship that isn't working as well as it used to, or as well as you and your partner desire, couple counseling can help you recognize and change the patterns which are keeping your relationship stuck.  Family therapy will strengthen bonds and give equal voice to all members.  By custom tailoring a combination of talk therapy, expressive arts and drama therapy techniques, I will assist you to find ways to resolve relational and family conflicts, to hear and be heard, and to open yourselves to the love you want and deserve.

Courage and Commitment  It takes courage to seek help, and dedication to make changes in old patterns and beliefs.  A therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty and acceptance is the safe crucible in which change takes place. In the work we will do together, I will be committed to honoring our co-created therapeutic relationship with empathy and non-defensiveness, and will stand with you as you face yourself and discover the emerging pathways to greater creativity and ease. 

 

The winds of grace blow all the time. All we need to do is set our sails.

~Ramakrishna

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