My name is Michelle Shalu Jani, and I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2007. However, I have been in the field of psychology and mental health since about 1998. After receiving my Master’s in Clinical Psychology, I have had the privilege and pleasure to work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of people from all different backgrounds, economic status, social and life situations. This has really helped me become a well rounded therapist and more aware of the struggles and difficulties people face. Currently, I work with individuals, couples, and families in my private practice.
I originally went into the field of mental health because I wanted to be a part of the journey of helping people figure out and work through their struggles, and be there the moment they start to feel the success of their growth and learning. I never imagined it would be so rewarding to watch this happen.
As a therapist, I have worked with areas such as addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, parenting issues, anger, career and life goal coaching just to name a few. I am certified in several Evidence Based Practices that have enhanced my skills as a therapist. This includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Seeking Safety, The Gottman Method Level 1 (for couples), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) to name a few. I am also trained in both Motivational Interviewing and Reflective Practice, which relies on using one’s own actions and experiences to increase learning. Since becoming licensed, I have also spent several years serving both as an Adjunct Professor in prominent universities as part of their Graduate Marriage and Family Therapy Programs, and as a Clinical Supervisor to Marriage and Family Therapist Interns. This has been a big passion for me as I feel it is very important to give back to the community that helped shape and mold me as a competent and skilled mental health professional.
On a personal level, I have lived and worked both in Northern California and Southern California. Currently my family and I reside in Orange County. In my leisure time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, snow sports, and working out. I am a big advocate of having a healthy and active life that includes a large element of self care. I try to bring this into my practice as an additional tool to help those who are struggling to create this for themselves.