How do I know if I need therapy?

You don’t have to be in crisis to try therapy. Therapy allows you the opportunity to be curious and explore your process with a skilled clinician. Often when you find yourself asking this question, it can be useful to reach out to a therapist to discuss your needs and give therapy a try.

What types of therapy do you offer?

I offer a holistic approach to therapy that incorporates the pieces that feel relevant to your experience and process. My approach is based on the understanding that the mind and body are connected. I believe that past experiences impact present relationships and experiences, and that therapy is a place to practice new techniques and strategies. My approach honors internal protectors and defense systems and works with them to help you find more balance.

What issues do you treat?

I am skilled and experienced in working with anxiety symptoms, panic, overwhelm, work stress, stress of motherhood and parenting, life transitions and changes, and trauma symptoms. This is not an exhaustive list—if you would like support around another issue, please reach out to see if I am a good fit.

How do I get started with therapy?

Scheduling a free consultation or reaching out is a great first step. Once you initiate the process, I will respond to your inquiry. During the phone consultation, I will ask what brings you to therapy, whether you have had therapy before, and share my approach so you can see if we are a good fit.

What should I expect during my first therapy session?

The first therapy session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist and discuss your goals. Your therapist will guide you through the session, review paperwork, and explore what feels present. You don’t need to prepare anything—just show up as you are.

Are you an Internal Family Systems trained therapist?

Yes, I am level two trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and have completed over 162 hours of specialized study. IFS therapy helps identify and harmonize different parts of the mind that contribute to worry and fear, supporting emotional regulation and self-compassion.

How do you incorporate Somatic Psychotherapy in sessions?

I incorporate somatic psychotherapy by supporting you in noticing bodily sensations that arise during sessions, such as breath changes, tension, or numbness. I may use grounding, breathing, and mindfulness techniques, and occasionally invite gentle movement if it feels appropriate. I also help track nervous system responses such as fight, flight, and freeze.

What is an initial consultation and how can it be helpful?

A free 15-minute phone consultation allows you to ask questions, discuss your needs, and get a sense of my working style. It helps you decide whether we are a good fit without any pressure to commit to therapy.

Can I schedule an appointment if the online times don’t work for me?

Yes, if available times do not work for you, you can use the contact form to request a time that works better for your schedule.

How long and how often are therapy sessions?

Sessions are 50 minutes and are generally once per week.

What are your session fees?

My fee for a 50-minute individual session is $190. Payment is processed through Ivy Pay, a secure HIPAA-compliant payment app that accepts credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not accept insurance directly. If your insurance offers out-of-network reimbursement, I can provide a receipt for submission.

Are sessions in person or virtual?

All sessions are currently held online via a HIPAA-compliant telehealth video platform.

Can I see you if I live anywhere in California?

Yes, I am licensed in California and can see clients anywhere in the state.

Therapy in San Francisco, CA

Frequently asked questions

Answers To Some Common Questions

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Questions About Therapy

Questions About Fees, Insurance, and Scheduling

Meet the Therapist

Book a Phone Consultation

Contact Form

Location and Contact Information

Blogs

CONTACT

SCHEDULE

Questions About Therapy

You don’t have to be in crisis to try therapy. Therapy just allows you the opportunity to be curious and explore your process with a skilled clinician. Often when you find yourself asking this question, it can be useful to reach out to a therapist to discuss your needs and to give therapy a try.
I offer a holistic approach to therapy where I incorporate the pieces that feels relevant to your experience and process. My approach is based on the understanding that the mind and body are connected. I believe that past experience impact relationships and experiences of today and that therapy is a place to practice new techniques and strategies. My approach honors your internal protectors and defense systems and I work with those protectors to help you find more balance.
I am skilled and experienced in working with anxiety symptoms, panic, overwhelm, work stress, stress of motherhood and parenting, issues around life transitions and life changes, and trauma symptoms. This is not exhaustive list, if you would like support around another issue, please reach out to see if I am a good fit.
Scheduling a free consultation or reaching out is a great first step. Once you initiate the process, I will respond to your inquiry. During our phone consultation, i will start off by asking you what brings you to therapy and see if you have had therapy before. i will also share my approach and see if you have any questions.
The first therapy session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist and discuss your goals. Your therapist will guide you through the first session. The therapist will go over paperwork and explore dynamics that feel present. There is nothing you need to do. Just show up as you are and the therapist will facilitate.
Here is my blog that may answer additional questions:
https://www.therapywithshohreh.com/blogs/what-to-expect-during-your-first-therapy-session-a-guide-for-new-clients
Yes, I am level two trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and have completed over 162 hours of specialized study.
IFS Therapy is a powerful method for managing anxiety because it helps identify and harmonize the different “parts” of your mind that contribute to worry and fear. Which can help reduce anxiety, support better emotional regulation, and offer increased self-compassion.
I can incorporate Somatic Psychotherapy in our sessions together by supporting you in noticing bodily sensations that come up when discussing charged material (holding your breath, feeling dissociated, racing heart, numb, etc.). I can utilize tools such as breathing, mindfulness and grounding resources to support you in feeling more regulated. I may invite small movements or expressions to release held tension (only if this is something that resonates with you). I am skilled at tracking nervous system responses such as fight, flight, freeze, and can help you understand how those responses are triggered for you.

Meet the Therapist

Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT

Hello, my name is Shohreh (“Sho-ray”). I am a licensed psychotherapist with over a decade of experience helping clients navigate anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I integrate holistic and evidence-based approaches into a warm, collaborative, and skilled style that prioritizes integration, practical skills, and deeper self-understanding. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer any questions you might have and give you a sense of how we can work together. For more detailed information about my experience please visit here

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Questions About Fees, Insurance, and Scheduling

Scheduling a free 15 minute phone consultation allows you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss what your needs are and get a sense of my working style. It gives you the space to decide what the best fit for you is and your needs and if I am a good match for the work you would like to do. It also creates some space for you to discuss your concerns or hopes for therapy without any pressure to commit to working together. My sincere goal is to get you the kind of support that feels right for you.
Yes, even if you are not able to find a time available on my booking link, use my contact form to schedule a time to talk that works best for you.
Sessions are 50 minutes and are generally once a week.
My current fee for a 50-minute individual session is $190.
Payment is made through Ivy Pay, a secure HIPAA Compliant payment mobile application made specifically for psychotherapists and their clients. Ivy Pay accepts credit cards, debit cards, and FSA/HSA.
My practice currently does not accept insurance. If you are seeking a therapist that is in network with your insurance, please contact your health insurance carrier. If you insurance company accepts out of network provider reimbursement, I can offer a paid receipt for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
Currently, all sessions are held online using a HIPPA Compliant telehealth platform via video sessions.
Yes, I am licensed in California and able to see clients throughout California.