Grief counselors and therapists in California

As a lived-experience therapist, I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming therapy for individuals navigating eating disorders, religious trauma, chronic illness, and identity exploration. My goal is to provide a brave, non-judgmental space where you can reflect on your experiences, reclaim agency over your life, and develop strategies that align with your unique strengths and values. I believe that you are the expert on your own story, and in our work together, I will encourage you to trust yourself more deeply and move toward healing in a way that feels right for you.

I offer online individual therapy for adults and teens across California and Colorado, providing accessible and affirming care that meets you where you are. Whether you're exploring your relationship with food and body, healing from religious trauma, or navigating life as a neurodivergent person, I’m here to support you with a therapy experience that prioritizes collaboration and consent.

My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

I’m grateful to have a career that allows me to be authentically myself and spend my days talking deeply about things that matter. I love working with motivated, bright people who know they have a lot to offer, but feel a bit blocked. I find great joy in helping people unblock to find ease and authenticity in their own lives.

Hi! Im Mike Strauss and I specialize in anxiety, PTSD, depression and substance abuse. With my own background as an addict now with 17 years clean and sober, I organically found my purpose as a clinician. What initially started with drug and alcohol counseling immediately turned into something bigger, as I pursued a master’s degree in social work. Understanding that addiction is but a symptom of underlying fears and traumas resulting in mood disorders, I was able to REALLY look at myself as I encourage my clients to do during their journeys toward self-realization.

Is your cup feeling empty?

I'm Shahna Duerksen, M.A., LMFT, a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing therapy exclusively to women 18+ through California telehealth and in-person sessions in Fresno.

I work with women who spend much of their lives pouring into others and may eventually feel overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, disconnected, or unsure of who they are beyond their responsibilities. Sometimes everyone else is receiving our time, energy, and care while our own cups are running low.

I especially enjoy helping women navigate adult ADHD symptoms, anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, boundaries, relationship distress, betrayal trauma related to infidelity or problematic sexual behaviors in a partner, identity and life transitions, and family or cultural expectations.

I also support therapists and mental health professionals—from those in training to experienced clinicians—who are navigating burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, professional boundaries, self-care, and the emotional demands of caring for others.

Another meaningful part of my work is supporting women navigating life between cultures, including South Asian and Indian women balancing their own needs and identity with family, cultural, spiritual, or relational expectations. Finding room for yourself doesn't have to mean abandoning the people or values that matter to you.

I earned my M.A. in Intercultural Studies and M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific University. My education and professional experience inform my interest in culturally responsive care and the ways culture, family, relationships, and life experiences shape how we understand ourselves.

And yes—funny, polite sarcasm and humor are fluently spoken. I also speak very basic conversational Hindi.

I believe therapy is most effective when you feel accepted, understood, and empowered. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself while also feeling challenged to grow. I meet clients where they are, recognizing that everyone comes to therapy with unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

I have a Master's in Counseling and have practiced in the field of mental health for nearly two decades. My experience as a therapist includes extensive training and work in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, women’s issues, and spirituality. I am licensed in both California (LPCC) and Washington (LMHC), and I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I also hold a certification in Grief (CGP). I emphasize a whole-person approach to care, considering the full spectrum of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that impact your overall health and well-being.

I work with adults who want to better understand themselves, strengthen emotional resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. My style is warm, collaborative, and empowering — I believe you are the expert on your own life.

As a graduate of the University of Southern California, my training emphasized both clinical excellence and authentic human connection. I integrate CBT and DBT-informed approaches to help clients develop practical skills for managing emotions, navigating relationships, setting healthy boundaries, and shifting unhelpful thought patterns.

I was drawn to this work because I’ve seen how powerful self-awareness and skill-building can be in transforming not only how we cope, but how we experience ourselves and our relationships. I understand that seeking therapy can feel vulnerable, and I strive to create a grounded, supportive space where you feel truly seen — while also gently challenged to grow in ways that build confidence, clarity, and lasting self-trust.