Positive change often begins with an open heart
Valia Shoja, Licensed Professional Counselor
You may have reached a point where you know something needs to change, but you are not quite sure how to get there. Perhaps you are feeling anxious, depressed, stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or overwhelmed by a relationship, loss, or major life transition.
For some people, understanding why they feel the way they do is the first step. For others, the goal is learning how to respond differently, build healthier habits, or feel more confident in their relationships and daily lives. Therapy can provide room for both.
I take a person-centered, collaborative, and mindfulness-informed approach and believe you are the expert on your own life. I incorporate mindfulness practices when helpful to support greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and patterns without judgment. My role is to help you explore your experiences at a pace that feels comfortable, make sense of difficult emotions, and identify the changes you want to make.
I work with teens (16+), adults, couples, and families with adult family members. I especially enjoy supporting clients with anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, bicultural relationships, cultural adjustment, family conflict, grief, self-esteem, life transitions, and patterns or habits that may no longer be serving them.
Whether you are seeking individual support or hoping to improve your relationships, I would be glad to work with you.
Who I Work With
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Teens (16+)
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Adults
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Couples
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Families (adult family members only)
What I Help With
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Anxiety and stress
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Depression and mood concerns
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Trauma and PTSD
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Childhood trauma
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Relationship issues
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Bicultural relationships
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Premarital counseling
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Cultural adjustment issues
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Racial identity
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Family conflict
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Grief and loss
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Life transitions
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Self-esteem
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Coping skills
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Women's issues
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Addiction concerns, including gaming, alcohol, and cannabis use
How I Work
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Person-centered therapy
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Collaborative therapy
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Trauma-informed therapy
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Strengths-based therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
I believe therapy works best when we approach it as a partnership. We can look at the experiences and patterns that have been keeping you stuck, consider what you want to be different, and identify realistic steps toward that change.
My approach combines person-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and cognitive strategies. Depending on your needs, we may focus on emotional awareness, coping skills, relationships, habits, or building greater confidence in your ability to handle difficult situations.
3 Reasons to Choose Therapy with Me
A Partnership Built Around You
There is no single path to change. I take time to understand what you need and work collaboratively with you rather than assuming what will be helpful. Your goals guide our work.
Help Breaking Unhelpful Patterns
When certain thoughts, habits, or relationship patterns repeatedly lead us to the same place, it can be difficult to know how to respond differently. Therapy can help you recognize those patterns and develop alternatives that better support the life you want.
A Multicultural Lens
Culture and identity can shape everything from family relationships to expectations about emotions and mental health. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where your background, values, and experiences are respected and can be explored as part of your work in therapy.
My Background
My passion for counseling grew through my experiences working with diverse communities, including volunteering with the International Rescue Committee and supporting refugee populations. These experiences deepened my appreciation for resilience and the many circumstances that can influence a person's mental health journey.
I provide therapy in English, Dari, and Farsi (Persian), allowing clients to communicate in the language in which they feel most comfortable.
Training and Publications
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Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
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Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP)
Languages
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English
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Dari
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Farsi (Persian)
Fees
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Individual Intake Session 90 minutes $225
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Individual Therapy Session 55 minutes $150
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Couples/Family Intake Session 90 minutes $225
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Couples/Family Therapy Session 90 minutes $225
I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. Many clients choose to use their out-of-network benefits for reimbursement, while others pay privately.
If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, I recommend contacting your insurance provider before our first session to ask about reimbursement for outpatient psychotherapy. I can provide the documentation needed for reimbursement claims.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationships, grief, cultural adjustment, life transitions, or patterns you want to change, therapy can be a place to begin exploring what comes next.
To get started, complete a brief online intake screener or request a complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of our Client Care Coordinators. They can answer your questions and help you through the next steps.