About Shaina
Background
I was born and raised in the beautiful high desert of Northern New Mexico. I was raised by a single mother and was the oldest of two daughters. My mother suffered from debilitating depression her entire life, and this led me to care deeply about mental health awareness and stigma. In 2003, I started my career in the field of mental health when I began volunteering at the crisis center on my college campus, working as a crisis support volunteer in suicide prevention and intervention. I later found my way to social work and eventually to therapy and consulting. I have been in the field of mental health for nearly 20 years and have experience in child welfare, hospice, medical social work, and integrated care.
Why Social Work?
My drive to become a social worker was born out of an attraction I have always had for human resiliency. From a young age, I sensed that humans had an incredible ability to be able to overcome adversity and heal from the darkest of days. My passion is working with individuals, families, communities, organizations, and agencies to heal and help build connections for healing and wellness. I am deeply committed to mentoring, educating, and supervising future social workers. I feel deeply honored to be a part of the individual and community healing process.
What are your specialty areas?
As someone who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I enjoy providing affirming services to this community. I am comfortable working with individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma and those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. I also have extensive knowledge of the unique challenges in the entertainment industry and enjoy working with these individuals. Additionally, I am bilingual in Spanish and can provide therapy to Spanish speakers.
What is your approach to therapy and coaching?
My approach to therapy/coaching is laid back and down to earth. I am warm, nurturing, and empathetic. I see my job as helping clients to be able to show up in their lives more fully and as their authentic selves. I work hard to establish a strong rapport with clients, as I believe this is key to ensuring individuals feel safe and comfortable to engage in the level of vulnerability this work often requires. It is important to me to foster a safe and non-judgmental space where clients are held as the experts on their own lives and needs.
Why are you interested in working with the entertainment industry?
I moved to Los Angeles in 2013. I have been adjacent to the industry for nearly a decade, and through partners, friends, and clients, I have witnessed the ways in which the industry has failed to respond appropriately to mental health needs. I have heard stories of burnout, psychosis, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, depression, and debilitating performance anxiety. I have heard stories of discrimination, racism, long work hours, financial uncertainty, botched auditions, and unreasonable expectations. I desire to use my skill set as a therapist and social worker to have an impact on an industry that desperately needs mental health support and advocacy, now more than ever. In 2022, my partner and I decided to form a non-profit to meet the needs we saw in the entertainment industry specifically. You can learn more by clicking here.
What other industries do you work with?
One of the things that I love about my consultation work is that it is transferable to pretty much any and all industries. However, I understand that not all industries are the same and require a tailored approach. In the initial session of our work together, I will learn more about your industry and the unique needs in your sector.
