About Shereen

Shereen Khan-Amrikani, M.A., LMFT # 90678

I have been working in the mental health field since 2007, providing community based services in settings such as schools, agencies/clinics, residential facilities, county buildings, and homes. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families presenting with diverse challenges. My experience includes working with at-risk youth and families involved with the child welfare system impacted by intergenerational trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse, chronic homelessness, and/or placement within the foster-care system. My educational background and clinical experience have equipped me to work specifically well with clients and families dealing with mood disorders, trauma/abuse, health challenges, neurodiversity, stress management, and grief/loss. I have also provided parenting support to promote parent-child bonding. I have specialized training related to providing trauma informed treatment to young children, and also conducting immigration psychological assessments for refugees and immigrants at risk for deportation who are seeking asylum or extreme hardship waivers.

I also volunteer as an Outreach Representative for the USA Palestine Mental Health Network, as I believe strongly in decolonizing mental health practices, advocating towards the liberation of oppressed people, and combatting harmful disinformation that perpetuates colonialism.

In addition to my private practice, where I treat youth, couples, adults, and families, I am the former Director of Administration at Early Childhood Mental Health Program (ECMHP), where I worked from 2016-2023 and was part of the Senior Leadership Team. I am experienced in behavioral health leadership and administration of clinical programs, contract utilization management, quality assurance, billing functions, clinical supervision, and staff training and development. Prior to that, I worked as a clinician at community health agencies that served Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties [Fred Finch Youth Center (FFYC), Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, Alternative Family Services (AFS)]. I completed my Traineeship at Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC). I also volunteered my time to facilitate a consultation group for Bay Area Muslim mental health providers. For more information about the services I offer through my private practice, please see the Services page.

As a Muslim, person of color, and daughter of immigrants, I am especially interested in topics such as spirituality, social justice, immigration and acculturation, and multicultural issues. I also serve individuals who identify as LGBTIQ+ and strive to create a safe and affirming therapeutic space. 

In my spare time, I love to make art, do photography, enjoy the outdoors (usually at the beach), and to spend quality time with my family. 

Counseling Philosophy and Approach to Therapy

My approach to my work with adult clients is based primarily on attachment theory, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and systems theory, and I also integrate brainspotting, mindfulness and parenting support into my therapeutic work. I utilize evidence-based, trauma-informed therapeutic practices.

Therapy can be for transient or chronic issues and nothing is too small to discuss. I try my best to create a safe environment where clients can express any concerns or beliefs without judgment. I help individuals access and explore their inner selves in effort to develop a more authentic and healthy sense of self. I help clients articulate their feelings, needs, and goals, as well as tap into their inner resources to cope with life’s challenges and accomplish the change they hope for. I assist individuals, couples, and families towards nurturing and strengthening their relationships.

Therapy is a collaborative process and requires both client and therapist to work together. Although at times I may make certain recommendations or utilize a directive approach, I see my role as helping the client explore their values so that individual can make their own decisions based on those values. I can assist clients with problem solving current barriers that interfere with their abilities to live a more full life. At times, I may gently confront or challenge clients on some issues that I believe would be beneficial to their therapeutic treatment. Benefits to utilizing therapy include gaining personal insight, deepening one’s relationships, and learning skills to improve emotional regulation, communication and engagement in more adaptive behaviors.

For more information about the MFT training and role, please see "What is a LMFT?" 

Verification of Shereen Khan-Amrikani's professional licensure by the Board of Behavioral Sciences to practice within the state of California, USA.