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

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families through a wide range of life challenges. Since 2007, I’ve worked in schools, clinics, homes, and community-based settings, helping clients navigate issues such as trauma, mood disorders, neurodiversity, chronic stress, grief and loss, and family systems impacted by intergenerational trauma, housing insecurity, substance use, and/or foster care involvement.

My practice is rooted in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, and I specialize in working with clients from diverse backgrounds, including immigrant and refugee populations. I also conduct psychological assessments for immigration cases (e.g., asylum, hardship waivers), and have received specialized training to support young children affected by early trauma.

I previously served on the senior leadership team as Director of Administration at the Early Childhood Mental Health Program (ECMHP), where I worked from 2016-2013 and oversaw administration of clinical operations, program development, billing functions, quality assurance, and staff training and supervision. Prior to that, I worked as a clinician at community-based nonprofit agencies that served Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties.

As a Muslim, person of color, and daughter of immigrants, I bring a deep commitment to social justice, decolonizing mental health, and creating affirming, inclusive spaces for all clients — especially those experiencing marginalization. I proudly serve LGBTIQ+ individuals and families.

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. I also volunteered my time to facilitate a consultation group for Bay Area Muslim mental health providers. 

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy making art, doing photography, spending time in nature, and spending quality time with my loved ones.

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.