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 and suffering from 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, stress management, and grief/loss. I have also provided parenting coaching to promote parent-child bonding. 

In addition to my private practice, where I treat children, adolescents, and adults through individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and support groups, I currently work at a nonprofit agency, Early Childhood Mental Health Program (ECMHP), in Richmond, CA as a Clinical Administrator. I also volunteer 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 accepting 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 clients is based primarily on attachment theory, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and systems theory, and I also integrate mindfulness and parenting coaching into my therapeutic work. With children, I utilize predominantly expressive art and play therapy. With short-term work, I use Solution Focused Therapy.

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 his or her values so that individual can make his or her 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?"