I have an interest in working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. In particular, I welcome those who want a therapist who understands and appreciates their culture beyond a purely Western lens.
About Therapist Shaheen Beheri
I believe there is always room to become a better version of ourselves. Asking for help and allowing ourselves the gift to accept it is often where that journey begins. The idea of therapy can feel both intimidating and frustrating, especially when taking those first steps. I believe that seeking support is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it can be an important part of growth and creating meaningful change. Wherever you are on your journey, I hope therapy can be a place where you feel safe to be yourself. I hope you feel understood in what you’re going through and supported in discovering where you want to go next.
As a therapist, my goal is to create a therapeutic environment where you feel heard, understood, respected, and supported. I believe that every person brings their own unique experiences, relationships, values, culture, and circumstances into therapy. I strive to understand each client within the context of their whole life rather than viewing their challenges in isolation.
Whether you are navigating relationships, family dynamics, trauma, substance use, or major life transitions, I aim to meet you where you are. Additionally, I also welcome those simply trying to better understand themselves and the choices life puts in front of them. My goal is to give you the tools to understand those experiences and the space to explore them without judgment. Ultimately, I believe that a genuine therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective mental healthcare. Together, we can work toward meaningful change that reflects where you would like to be.
My professional experience as a marriage and family therapist is also informed by my personal experience as an immigrant with immigrant parents of West Asian origin. As a result, I have a specific understanding of the issues and stigmas that communities of similar background face, especially around mental health. While I enjoy working with all couples and families, I have an interest in working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds. In particular, I welcome those who want a therapist who understands and appreciates their culture beyond a purely Western lens. At the same time, I prioritize mental and emotional health that can carry forward for generations. To that end, I also welcome clients who speak Arabic and Farsi (Persian) in addition to English.
Education and Experience as a Therapist
I hold a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. I’ve completed two years of Clinical Practicum training prior to receiving my licensure, where I had experience working in an Intensive Outpatient Program. I have experience providing individual, couples, group, and family therapy to people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.Â
My clinical training is grounded in Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST), which allows me to look at the many interconnected systems and relationships that influence an individual’s wellbeing. I also draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Structural Family Therapy (SFT).
Rather than believing that one approach works for everyone, I’m trained to integrate different modalities and interventions based on each client’s individual needs, goals, strengths, and circumstances. My systemic training allows me to consider the relationships, environments, cultures, and broader contexts that shape each individual’s experiences.
Specialties
Types of Therapy Provided:
Areas of Focus
- Relationship, Couples, and Family Dynamics
- Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Regulation
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Life Transitions and Personal Growth
- Cultural, Religious, Immigrant, and Multicultural Experiences
- LGBTQ+ and Gender-Related Experiences
- Substance Use-Related Concerns
Professional Licensure
Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist (LGMFT), Maryland
Get to Know Shaheen
Beyond the Therapy Room
Outside of the therapy room, I’m usually finding some way to stay curious or be outside in any way to keep myself engaged and active, whether that’s spending time with friends or enjoying some time on my own.
I’m a big football and Formula 1 fan, and I’ll happily make time to watch FC Barcelona, Manchester City, or Ferrari whenever I can, especially out with my friends (big Lewis Hamilton fan here!).
On a typical day off, you might find me checking out a new hiking trail or heading into Washington, D.C. for an outdoor game of chess and practicing my photography with friends.
I’m also a big reader and tend to have a few books going at once. Right now, that includes Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey, Dr. Gordon Neufeld & Dr. Gabor Maté’s Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers, and George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.