Shaista Khanoon is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working under Dr. Thomas Lucking’s direct supervision. Shai is a first-generation Muslim who emigrated from the Fiji Islands approximately 22 years ago. As a first- generation college student, she encountered adversity as she fought for an education, worked multiple jobs to pay for college and adjusted to American societal expectations. Despite these challenges, Shai was determined to become a therapist who could empathize with her clients who experience similar problems that leave them feeling isolated and misunderstood. Shai has experience working in various clinical settings such as a medical clinic, elementary through high schools, and group homes. She also has years of experience working directly with children and adults on the autism spectrum disorder along with other behavior disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, behavioral addiction, property destruction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, etc.). She has years of experience working with marginalized communities supporting youth and families as they overcome various challenges, specifically as some of them adjust to the immigration process. Shai has created several crisis interventions plans and taught de-escalation strategies to staff and parents when working with folks with challenging behaviors. She has worked with children, teenagers, young adults, adults and co-facilitated many groups around a variety of concerns such as relational issues, gender identity, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, behavior management and parent support groups. Shai has an empathic, trauma informed approach and works through a collaborative lens to support her clients in achieving optimal wellness. She believes that it is with patience and humility that strengthens her relationship with her clients and welcomes curiosity and fun into the therapy room.

Specialties:

• Communication skills
• Relational Issues
• Identity development
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Behavior management
• Burnout and stress management
• Cross cultural Issues
• Grief and Loss
• Parenting burnout
• Autism Spectrum behavioral needs
• Trauma related issues
• Attachment issues
• Substance use related issues
• Family stressors
• Excessive truancy, failing or missing school
• Suicidal ideations

Clients: Children, Teens, Adults, Couples, Parents, Families, Groups

Modalities: Trauma informed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy

Locations: Telehealth, Fremont, Los Gatos