Dr. Shirin Ghannadi, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience providing therapy and psychological assessment services to individuals across the lifespan. She earned her Doctor of Psychology degree from the California School of Professional Psychology and completed her clinical internship at Springfield Hospital Center in Maryland. Dr. Ghannadi has worked in various settings, including outpatient clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practice. Her expertise includes anxiety disorders, depression, severe mental illness, stress-related issues, and relationship issues. She is trained in evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Ghannadi is committed to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care to her clients and helping them achieve their goals.
What would your clients say is your therapist superpower?
My clients may say that my superpower is my ability to create a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their thoughts and emotions. Through empathy, active listening, and giving thoughtful feedback, I strive to foster a supportive relationship with my clients so they feel comfortable and accepted in the therapy environment.
Is there an example from your daily life where you practice what you preach?
I practice what I preach in terms of self-care and mindfulness practice. Self-care and mindfulness are essential to maintaining one’s mental health and well-being. Some examples of self-care practices that I may recommend to my clients and practice myself are practicing good sleep hygiene, setting healthy boundaries, getting some physical activity during the day, and doing mindfulness practices such as deep breathing.
How do you approach the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy?
I think it’s important to recognize and address the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy, as this can significantly impact a person’s willingness to seek help and access the resources they need. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, it’s essential to educate individuals about mental health and the benefits of therapy. I think it’s also important to normalize therapy as a part of everyday life, emphasizing that seeking support for mental health is a sign of strength and self-care rather than weakness or failure. In addition, I think providing culturally sensitive care that considers the unique experiences and needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds is essential.
If you hadn’t become a therapist, what profession would you have chosen and why?
If I hadn’t become a therapist, I might have continued working at my first job at a flower shop and have become a florist. I loved arranging beautiful floral arrangements that would bring joy to others!
Short Term (Solution-focused, etc.)
Ideal for those who are coming in with a specific problem they’d like to address and gain clarity on. Typically, short term therapies are present focused and do not dive deep into your past.
Structured
Structured therapies are goal and progress oriented. Therapists may incorporate psychoeducation and a specific “curriculum.” In order to stay on track, therapists may provide worksheets and homework.
Insight-oriented (Psychodynamic, Existential, etc.)
Exploring the past and making connections to present issues can help clients gain insight. Getting to the root of the issue and finding deeper self-awareness can help with long-term change.
Non-directive (Humanistic, Person-centered, etc.)
Going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Behavioral (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Focuses on changing potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors by addressing problematic thought patterns and specific providing coping skills.
Trauma Focused (EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.)
Recognizing the connection between trauma experiences and your emotional and behavioral responses, trauma focused therapy seeks to help you heal from traumas.
