Rate Shoba Nishek

Hi, I am Shoba Nishek, a Washington State Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Mental Health Professional (MHP) and Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS). My professional philosophy and principles are grounded in evidence-based practice entwined with integrative, holistic, eclectic, strengths-based and client-centered approaches. (If interested, kindly refer to the bottom of page for more details outlining specific training and certifications).

As a multi-cultured, adopted, bi-racial, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and Caucasian professional, my practice focuses on supporting clients through various personally unique stressors including navigating complex life transitions, personal growth, multigenerational trauma, along with various levels of multicultural experiences. My goal is to help you thrive in everyday life rather than just surviving. In my experience, using a collection of humanistic approaches assists in achieving the fundamental core values surrounding our mutually respectful therapeutic relationship. Working with a wide range of clients with different needs has allowed my clinical practice to focus on integrative approaches to care. This includes my special areas of interest encompassing attachment, anxiety, depression, adoption, multigenerational trauma, and historically marginalized communities.

I authentically apply a variety of communication styles to help communicate and engage with clients while also building rapport and trust. This may include combining the use of dry humor with a calm and supportive demeanor, or as more outgoing and directive with my use of various therapeutic approaches and expressive communication style.

Because of my unique personal life experiences as an American expat, I spent much of my childhood traveling and living overseas. International living allowed exposure to vast cultures, people and families, influencing my ability to speak Swahili in childhood as my primary language. These experiences ground my different expertise perspectives, specifically addressing multi-family cultural stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, self-esteem challenges, distress triggers, and career difficulties, all impacting healthy daily functioning. I'm particularly passionate about creating a mutually respectful, open and affirming space, where clients can explore their unique needs, triggers, identities, and personal journeys. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies for emotional resilience and personal empowerment.

All are welcome regardless of your background or beliefs! My non-judgmental practice environment encourages and embraces openness to various cultural, spiritual, religious, and family backgrounds. I work to understand the unique needs of each person’s culture, family history, beliefs, and values during their personal journey in counseling! My goal is to walk beside you, providing support in building stronger self-understanding during the healing of emotional wounds, and creating meaningful pathways toward growth and well-being.

One of the hardest steps towards personal recovery is asking for help! Thank you for reaching out!

__________________________________________________________________________

Detailed professional background:

My current practice days are Tuesday – Thursday, 10 AM to 5:00 PM (hours may vary and are subject to change).

Training and clinical background: Social Work Theories such as Family Systems, Social Theory, and Ecological Systems (micro, mezzo, macro), (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (TF) Trauma Focused; (ACT) Acceptance Commitment Therapy, (DBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; (MT) Mindfulness Therapy, (B-SFT) Brief Solution Focused Therapy and Attachment Theory based, (John Bowlby); ( EFIT) Emotional Focused Individual Therapy, Carl Rogers, Humanistic Experiential Therapy

A Few Specific Professional Training Areas: Continuing Education and Seminars include: (FPS) family preservation services, experiential therapy, evidence-based HOMEBUILDERS® model of (IFPS) intensive family preservation service, Experiential, (SBIRT) Screening, Behavioral Therapy, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment- Substance Abuse; (EFT) Emotion Focused Therapy: (IFS) Internal Family Systems; Victim Advocacy; Stewards of Children; Circle of Security; Multi-Cultural Sensitivity & Diversity; Suicide and Crisis Assessment; Human Trafficking; Healthcare Reform; LGBTQ+; Poverty; Law and Ethics; HIPAA; Art & Sand Tray; Social and Related Skills; People with Disabilities; Integrating Religion & Spirituality; Insulin Resistance Prevention & Reversal; Attention Deficit Disorders, Pregnancy & Postpartum; Aging and Gerontology, Existential Therapy, (ABA) Applied Behavioral Analysis, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist; Carl Jung Theory

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

•WA State-Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW- LW 60752500)

• WA State-Mental Health Professional (MHP):04-20-2015; Frontier Behavioral Health; DSHS: Dept. Behavioral Health & Recovery; No expiration

• WA State -Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS);06-08-2018 Dept. of Behavioral Health and Recovery: No expiration

•WA State-Crime Victim Advocate. No expiration

• WA State –Professional Interior Design -Concepts and Theory for Personal & Commercial Spaces: No expiration

Previous career in the medical field starting in 1992

• CO/WA/ID State - Registered- Medical Assistant (M.A), EKG, electrocardiograms & Limited Scope X-ray Technician, (only used in CO)