Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples
Welcome...
As your therapist, I will help you uncover your true potential so that you may lead a life that is more fulfilling and meaningful. While we cannot change your past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in life that seem to be getting in the way of your happiness.
My treatment approach is primarily cognitive-behavioral, so once we understand what led you to this point, emphasis is placed on the "here and now." I believe in addressing the root causes of a problem, and working together in a collaborative way in order to facilitate personal growth and necessary change that will be sustainable. I also believe in a holistic approach that integrates every aspect of your life and relationships into this journey. I am transparent and forthcoming and believe the best change happens in an environment of compassion, respect, and unconditional acceptance.
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals and LEARN TO THRIVE!
Please call or email me for an individual or couples therapy consultation today.
Dr. Shiva Ghaed, PhD, MPH
About Dr. Ghaed
Dr. Shiva Ghaed is a Nationally Board Certified (9355) and California-licensed (PSY23324) Clinical Psychologist specializing in both individual, group, and couples therapy. She previously maintained a part-time private practice in Orange County, CA (but is not currently seeing patients in this capacity - stay tuned for updates).
Over the years, Dr. Ghaed has worked in the civilian sector (community sliding scale clinic, private practice) and has also provided mental healthcare for active duty and retired service members from all military branches in both the San Diego catchment area and Los Angeles. Currently, she provides evidence-based treatments to patients in both individual and group settings, for trauma (Cognitive Processing Therapy; Prolonged Exposure), panic and anxiety disorders (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Exposure Therapy), sleep disturbance and nightmares (CBT - Insomnia; Imagery Rehearsal Therapy), personality-disordered difficulties (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and relationship problems.
Dr. Ghaed maintains involvement in academia and research, and has served as a voting member on an Institutional Review Board, overseeing and ensuring ethical protection of human rights for patients involved in research studies within the healthcare system. She has provided subject matter expertise for the University of Southern California, Center for Innovation & Research on Veterans and Military Families, and is involved in creating online continuing education for other professionals. Dr. Ghaed is a member of the American Psychological Association, and other professional organizations, and strives to maintain competency and excellence as a therapist and professional in her field. In 2015, she was presented with the Associate Master Clinician Award, and in 2020, the Master Clinician Award, by the Naval Medical Center San Diego. She is also involved in the Expert Reviewer Program as a psychological examiner for the California Board of Medicine.
RECENT PROJECTS
Following the Las Vegas Massacre in 2017, Dr. Ghaed launched a free weekly support group for fellow survivors and their family and friends. She posted weekly therapy-based articles specifically catered to and witnessing the Route 91 community recovery process. A website was created, www.route91therapy.com, to allow public access to these documents, and this information has been disseminated to the Route 91 community across the globe. In April, 2018, Dr. Ghaed was honored with the Citizens of Courage Award by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, and the National Hero Award by the American Red Cross (Metro New York). In honor of the 1-year anniversary of the Las Vegas massacre (on Oct 1, 2018), Dr. Ghaed released her free e-book, Route 91: Healing from Mass Violence and Trauma for download on her new platform www.loveexpands.com. In 2019, Dr. Ghaed was honored as Keynote Speaker of the annual conference for the Florida Association of Private Investigators. Currently, Dr. Ghaed volunteers for a non-profit, Sunlight Retreats for Survivors of Rape, and is responsible for all mental health-related educational curriculum and instruction provided to participants. She is also an active volunteer for the American Red Cross and serves as the San Diego/Imperial Counties Lead (Southern California Region) for the Mental Health Disaster Response Team, and has taught Psychological First Aid and Trauma and Volunteer Wellness. Her podcast, The Happy Wizard, launched in September of 2021.
“ Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come? ”
- Rumi
Education & Training
Dr. Ghaed’s formal education includes a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Behavioral Medicine) from the Joint Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University (2008), an M.P.H. in Health Promotion (2006) and an M.S. in Psychology (2006) from SDSU, a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland (2001), and a B.S. in Zoology (Pre-medicine) from the George Washington University (1993).
Dr. Ghaed's clinical experience includes several years of training and specialization in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems of San Diego and Los Angeles. She completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the San Diego VA, specializing in anxiety disorders, non-combat trauma, and combat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans. She has given presentations and invited talks at professional conferences, and grand rounds for a variety of mental health departments including the VA hospitals in San Diego and Los Angeles, the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, and the Naval Medical Center San Diego, as well as the University of Redlands, Psychology Department.
For the past 30 years, Dr. Ghaed has been involved in research ranging from bench research in the pure sciences to clinical research in the social sciences and psychology, and she has worked for world and nationally renowned organizations such as the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIH), the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. She was Project Director for an NIH-funded research study for several years, and has served in leadership positions at the Naval Center for Combat and Operational Stress Control, at NMCSD and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (NHCP). She has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, and has received honors and awards for excellence in her field throughout the course of her career.
