Shaista Pirzada, LCSW
Urdu-Speaking Telehealth Therapist
Gender: Female | Office Location: Telehealth Only | States Licensed In: Virginia, Nevada, California
Languages: English, Urdu | Services Offered: Therapy | Credentials: LCSW | Age Group: 18+
About Me
Hi, I’m Shaista “Shai” Pirzada, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with about 12 years of experience in the field. I’m originally from Pakistan and grew up in Virginia. As the spouse of someone who served in the military for 21 years, I have also experienced multiple relocations and understand some of the challenges that can come with change and transition. I became a social worker because I’ve always been drawn to helping people feel heard, understood, and supported during difficult times.
I work with school-age children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship and family concerns, school difficulties, stress, low self-esteem, substance use concerns, life transitions, and questions related to identity and personal growth. I especially enjoy helping people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves and want to better understand what they’re experiencing and develop healthier ways of coping.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is collaborative, client-centered, and based on the belief that there isn’t one type of therapy that works for everyone. I want to first understand your goals, concerns, strengths, relationships, and the context of your life. From there, we can shape therapy around what will be most helpful for you.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, solution-focused techniques, person-centered therapy, emotion-focused work, and trauma-informed care. I value helping clients understand patterns in their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviors while also developing practical tools they can use outside of therapy.
Above all, I want you to feel heard, respected, and empowered. I believe the relationship between therapist and client is an important part of the work, so I adapt my approach based on who you are and what you need.
Who I Work With
People come to therapy for all kinds of reasons, and I don’t believe there is one particular way you have to be feeling before therapy “makes sense.”
You may be feeling anxious, sad, overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted. Maybe you’re going through a loss, relationship difficulty, major life change, or stressful period. You might recognize patterns that aren’t working but feel unsure how to change them, or you may appear to be functioning well on the outside while privately feeling that something isn’t quite right.
Sometimes there is a specific reason to begin therapy. Other times, it is simply the feeling of “I don’t want to keep feeling this way, but I don’t know what needs to change.”
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first therapy appointment is more about getting acquainted and understanding what you need than immediately diving into the hardest parts of your life.
We’ll talk about what brought you in, what has been difficult lately, and some of the experiences that may be important to understanding you. We’ll also begin discussing what you would like to be different and what you hope to gain from therapy. Your goals don’t have to be perfectly defined on the first day, and you’ll have opportunities to ask questions and decide whether working together feels like a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns do you help clients with?
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, OCD, trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship and family difficulties, low self-esteem, school concerns, substance use, life transitions, and challenges related to identity and personal growth.
What is therapy with you like?
My approach is collaborative and individualized. We’ll spend time understanding what’s happening beneath the surface while also identifying practical ways to make changes in your everyday life. Depending on your needs, we may work on thought patterns, coping skills, emotional regulation, relationships, boundaries, communication, or greater self-awareness.
What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?
Feeling nervous about therapy is very common. You don’t need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out before you arrive. It’s okay to tell me, “I’m nervous,” “I don’t know where to start,” or even “I’m not sure therapy will help.” We can talk about all of that. Therapy isn’t a test you can fail, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
If you’re looking for someone who listens without judgment, works collaboratively, and combines insight with practical, evidence-based strategies, we may be a good fit. During our first few sessions, we’ll determine together whether my approach meets your needs.
A Little More About Me
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, cooking, and working out. Self-care is important to me because I believe taking care of ourselves helps us remain focused, patient, compassionate, and present for the people who depend on us.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable. Whether you’re overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or simply ready for something to change, we can work together at a pace that feels right for you. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. We can start exactly where you are.
Shaista conducts her sessions exclusively via telehealth, providing convenient and accessible virtual appointments.