Shalina Kumar, LMFT
Psychotherapist

“If someone you know or care about is struggling in a relationship, please allow me to help.”

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 to 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. At the Counseling and Diagnostic Center at Sacramento State I worked with adults from the general public with various problems or diagnoses. At the University of California Davis’ CAARE Center I worked with blended families with children dealing with trauma and teens with behavioral problems. My most recent work has been with adults with a full range of problems from lack of direction to infidelity.

Besides therapy, I have experience in research and assessment. I have worked with multiple batteries of assessments for children and adults, including addressing ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction severity.

I typically work with adults diagnosed with a variety of mood, anxiety, and relationship problems. I have also worked with children and families with a history trauma. I use an eclectic approach to therapy starting with the person-centered (a warm, supportive therapeutic environment with genuineness and empathy), so I can really get to know my clients. If appropriate, we can use cognitive-behavioral techniques to actively work on changing unwanted behaviors. I particularly enjoy helping people via the psychoanalytic (helping to gain insight) method of talk therapy, where we can explore the core issues of problems and deal with them directly instead of treating ‘symptoms’. I also incorporate mindfulness techniques as needed for mood management and/or changing core belief systems with their root in childhood.

As a holistic therapist, I acknowledge the entire person. For clients interested in spiritual growth, I am trained in many techniques and theories dealing with spiritual growing pains; as well as, healing the various parts of the spiritual self through help from the God.

Besides my clinical work, I have volunteered with disabled children and adults, helping veterans reintegrating into civilian life, and tutoring children and adults in math over the years. I enjoy being a part of a diverse community and supporting those helping others in the greater Sacramento area.