🎉Big Congratulations to Sheida Shavalian, LMFT!🎉
We’re excited to share some wonderful news: Sheida Shavalian, our Lead Therapist at Asana Recovery, has officially obtained her Marriage and Family Therapy license in the state of California!
This milestone is more than a credential—it’s a continuation of a career built on deep empathy, clinical expertise, and a passion for helping others heal. For those unfamiliar with her journey, Sheida earned her graduate degree from USC, and then moved back to her home country, where she became licensed and spent over a decade working with individuals in both private practice and clinical settings. Now fully licensed in California, Sheida continues to bring a global perspective and a heart-centered approach to her work at Asana Recovery.
I also took a moment to ask Sheida about her path, her purpose, and what this new chapter means for her:
What inspired you to become a therapist?
"Growing up, I saw how fulfilling it was for my father, a physician, to help others heal. While I chose a different path, I was drawn to the deeper, often hidden pain people carry emotionally. I realized early on that emotional wounds can be just as—if not more—painful and long-lasting than physical ones. What inspired me most was the desire to be a safe, trustworthy presence for others—a space where people could take off their masks, not for me, but so they could begin to be honest with themselves. I wanted to be part of that process, to help people feel seen, accepted, and supported on their journey toward healing."
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
"The most rewarding part has been watching clients reclaim their lives. Working with individuals who have experienced intense adversity—whether it’s addiction, trauma, or loss—and seeing them take steps toward healing is incredibly humbling.
It's also deeply fulfilling to know that my support played even a small part in their transformation. I’ve also been honored by the trust my clients place in me, and by the relationships I’ve built with both clients and colleagues along the way."
What advice would you give to others pursuing a similar path?
"Stay grounded in empathy and stay curious. This field requires a lot of emotional resilience, but it also offers tremendous growth if you remain open to learning from your clients as much as they learn from you. Take care of your own well-being, lean into supervision and community, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And remember—progress doesn’t always look like a straight line, but every step matters."
What are you most looking forward to in this new chapter?
"Now that I’ve worked for over a decade in both private practice and clinical/facility settings, I’m excited to explore new opportunities for leadership and deeper clinical work. I see this as a long-term career, and I’m looking forward to growing within the company, contributing to program development, mentoring others, and continuing to provide high-quality care to clients. This next chapter feels like a time of expansion, both professionally and personally."
Thank You, Sheida, for Your Dedication, Leadership, and Heart
At Asana Recovery, we are committed to supporting professional growth—not only because it uplifts our team, but because it strengthens the care we provide to every patient who walks through our doors. Sheida, we’re honored to have you leading our therapeutic team and walking alongside our patients on their path to healing.
Please join us in congratulating Sheida on this well-earned achievement and exciting new chapter. 💙
🧠Trivia Time!
What is the main difference between an AMFT and an LMFT?
A) AMFTs focus only on addiction counseling
B) LMFTs can’t provide therapy without supervision
C) AMFTs require clinical supervision to practice
D) LMFTs are not licensed by the state
📩 Email your answer to david@asanarecovery.com for a chance to win a $15 gift card to Amazon, Uber, or DoorDash.
Two winners will be selected!
Real Stories. Real Strength.💙
Now Offering Virtual PHP and IOP
Asana Recovery now provides Virtual Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs, allowing patients to access structured, evidence-based addiction and mental health care from the comfort of home. Same expert care—now more accessible than ever.
Congratulations!!! So Awesome.