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, a psychotherapy practice serving residents of California, Hawai‘i, and Japan. Grounded in Relational Gestalt Therapy and Zen Buddhism, we cultivate awareness and compassion as foundations for connection.
Therapy
Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and get in touch with what matters most. Therapy is a collaborative and alive process where we give light and air to the aspects of you that have been tucked away—feelings, needs, and longings that haven’t been given a voice. As we hold your experiences with compassion and care, they can begin to breathe again.
Therapy becomes a place where new insight, vitality, and choice can emerge. Therapy is not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about expanding what’s possible. You’re invited into a fuller experience of yourself and your life, with more authenticity and aliveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Matthew Shima, LMFT provides online therapy to residents of California, Hawai’i and Japan.
Tuul Gantogtokh, AMFT provides online therapy to residents of California.
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Many of the people I work with are successful professionals across various fields. While they are competent in many parts of their lives, often there is a sense of something missing, or some area in which they are struggling. It is common for many people to have difficulty in their relationships, to worry about the future, or feel stuck in their lives. My clients tend to be deeply interested and curious about the emotional, relational, and spiritual aspects of their lives and are committed to growth and developing their awareness.
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Sessions are 45 minutes and generally meet weekly.
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All appointments are held remotely through a secure video platform and can be attended on a computer, tablet, or smart phone.
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Not at this time. All services are considered private-pay, giving you full control over your therapy process and investment in your well-being. Please inquire with your therapist if you would like a statement that can be submitted to your insurance for possible reimbursement, sometimes called a “superbill”.
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I am unable to provide specialized letters of any kind such as for an emotional support animal.
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I practice Relational Gestalt Therapy informed by Zen Buddhism.
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The way for us to get started is to set up an initial consultation by filling out our contact form. This will give us a chance to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and for you to ask any questions that you may have. Our initial meeting will give us a sense of what it’s like to work together, which will help us decide if we’re a good fit for ongoing therapy.