Elham Shoa (She/Her)

LCSW

Therapy for children of immigrants, BIPOC, & ENM folks. Combining insight with EMDR & Gottman for real, sustainable change. Zero filters.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in , CA

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples

About My Clients

My clients are high-functioning adults tired of filtering themselves. Whether you’re a child of immigrants navigating family expectations, a BIPOC professional exhausted by code-switching, or an LGBTQ+ individual seeking an affirming space, you’re looking for a therapist who just gets it. I work with individuals deconstructing old patterns and couples—monogamous or ENM—navigating complex dynamics. You value your insight but want the tools of EMDR and Gottman. No over-explaining required.

My Background and Approach

My approach is collaborative, direct, and down-to-earth. I specialize in trauma recovery and relationship therapy using tools like EMDR and the Gottman Method. I’ve adapted these methods specifically for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and ENM/Poly communities, ensuring your identity is the baseline, not the exception. We’ll use your insight to fuel pragmatic change, helping your nervous system catch up to what you know intellectually. I’m a real person and I talk like one. I don't believe therapy has to be somber - humor and levity are natural parts of how I communicate. Whether we’re deconstructing intergenerational patterns or navigating non-traditional relationships, you can show up as your full self. No "therapist voice" and no over-explaining required. I earned my MSW from Columbia University in 2005 and forged my lens in NYC schools and hospitals. As a former Faculty Member at CSU Fullerton, I trained future clinicians. I bring that same informed perspective to every session.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

My practice is rooted in the belief that your identity and lived experience should be the foundation of our work, not something you have to explain or defend. You shouldn't have to provide a cultural crash course on your race, gender, or relationship structure before we can get to the heart of what’s happening in your life. I value equity and authentic representation. I’ve intentionally built my practice for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and ENM/Poly communities because everyone deserves a space where they can be fully seen. I believe in a collaborative, direct approach where we use your insight and evidence-based tools like EMDR and Gottman to create real change. Healing isn't about fixing something broken, it’s about integrating your experiences so you can lead an aligned life. I’m here to walk through the weeds with you, using humor and real talk to keep us grounded. We skip the performance and get straight to the work.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Culturally Sensitive Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Relationship Counseling
Other Techniques
  • Attachment Theory
  • Couples Counseling
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Relational Therapy
  • Trauma Therapy
  • Relationship Counseling

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Other Issues
  • Abuse
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief or Loss
  • Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma
  • Immigration/Acculturation
  • Infertility
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Parenting
  • Polyamorous and Open Relationships
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Racial Identity
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Systemic Oppression Therapy
  • Women's Issues
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Blue Cross of California
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Atheism
  • Baha'i
  • Buddhism
  • Christianity
  • Hinduism
  • Islam
  • Judaism
  • Taoism
  • Interfaith
  • Multifaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 21 years of practice
  • Rate: $225 - 275/session

Reach out to Elham