awareness | compassion | connection

Therapy is a process of being exactly as you are, while taking the next step into who you are becoming.

Welcome to Shima Therapy! We are a psychotherapy practice serving residents of California, Hawai’i and Japan. We offer remote therapy for individuals and relationships who are seeking support in the mental, emotional, relational and spiritual areas of their life. We cultivate awareness and compassion as the foundations for connection.

Individual Therapy

Giving light and air…

It can be really helpful to talk to someone about your worries and concerns.  When we face our struggles alone, sometimes we can feel lost, overwhelmed, and like no one will understand.  Therapy can be a place where we walk together to meet that which feels unbearable or like it's too much to handle on our own.  In therapy, we will collaborate to reinforce your inherent strengths and build on past experiences to face the challenges of today.  

FAQ

Relationship Therapy

Inviting the other to be heard…

The people in relationships we work with are committed to strengthening their connection and bond by showing a deep interest in their partner’s experience, developing mutual understanding, and actively practicing compassion and empathy. We will develop awareness of your relational patterns, how they function, and identify new ways of relating that support security and connection. We welcome all identities, sexual orientations, and relationship styles in our practice.

FAQ

How do I start therapy?

  1. Request Initial 45 Minute Consultation Session

    Complete the form on the contact page.

  2. Schedule Initial 45 Minute Consultation Session

    We will email you to schedule your initial video consultation.

  3. Attend Initial 45 Minute Consultation Session

    At the scheduled time, click on the link in the appointment reminder to join your consultation session. We will meet by video call to discuss what is bringing you to therapy and decide whether to continue working together for ongoing therapy. Once we’ve decided to work together ongoing, we will schedule a weekly time for therapy.

  4. Complete Forms

    Following the initial consultation session, you will review and complete some intake forms through our secure client portal.

  5. Attend Weekly Therapy

    That’s it! You are now in your therapy process!

Meet the Team

  • Matthew Shima, LMFT

    Founder / Psychotherapist

  • Chloe Shen, AMFT

    Associate Therapist

  • Christina Kam, AMFT

    Associate Therapist