Shalina Kumar, LMFT

About me

It is the therapist’s role to really listen and understand who you are first — and what your goals are in therapy.

I believe that everyone has the potential to realize the life they imagined for themselves. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I provide a safe and trusting environment where you can explore and process the ambivalence that often hinders you from realizing your ideal self and relationships. I believe it is the therapist’s role to really listen and understand first who you are and what your goals are in therapy.

I understand how difficult it is to share personal and private information with a therapist. I honor and respect your decision to do so in order to overcome your current obstacles. My career has focused on people from all backgrounds and ages — from adults at the Counseling and Diagnostic Center at Sacramento State, to blended families and teens at UC Davis’ CAARE Center, to adults navigating everything from lack of direction to infidelity.

I use an eclectic approach, starting with the person-centered method — a warm, supportive environment built on genuineness and empathy — so I can really get to know my clients. Where appropriate, we use cognitive-behavioral techniques to actively change unwanted behaviors. I particularly enjoy psychoanalytic (insight-oriented) talk therapy, exploring the core issues of problems and dealing with them directly instead of treating ‘symptoms.’ I also incorporate mindfulness techniques for mood management and changing core belief systems.

As a holistic therapist, I acknowledge the entire person. For clients interested in spiritual growth, I am trained in many techniques dealing with spiritual growing pains and healing the various parts of the spiritual self. Beyond my clinical work, I have volunteered with disabled children and adults, helped veterans reintegrate into civilian life, and tutored math over the years. I enjoy being part of a diverse community in the greater Sacramento area.