Over 23 Years Guiding People to Health
About Sheira
My goal is to teach people the skills they need to move past eating disorders and relationship issues. I am best known for developing a unique way to quiet the "inner critic", a method I now share in my signature program, Eat in Peace. I also offer GLP-1 integration coaching for people whose body is changing faster than their mind. Though I am a published author, I believe in a balance of the scholarly and the soulful. You're just as likely to find me speaking from a podium as dancing to the radio in my kitchen.
My difficult childhood made me into an astute therapist. I studied everything I could about healing during years of workshops and education with people like Sue Johnson (Emotionaly Focused Therapy), Hameed Ali (Diamond Heart) and the teachers at Landmark, eventually founding a Continuing Education company myself. Currently in my private practice, I am delighted to use this copious training and experience to help individuals and couples get stronger by bringing love and empowerment to their most challenging experiences.
photo by Violaine Lenoir
My Story
The Beginning
The year my dad moved out, I went on my first diet, The 9-Day Miracle Diet.
It called for four days of drinking dilute orangeade (no food of any kind) followed by five days of plain chicken breast, plus the orangeade. The diet was in one of the women's magazines and several moms from the neighborhood had encouraged me to go on it after they got great results. I was not thin, but I could hardly be called overweight. I was 12 years old.
It was grueling, but I followed the diet. At the end, food never tasted so good and I could not. stop. eating. I gained back the weight and more. I was afraid and really sad about what was happening to me and my body. I found out everything I could about diets and nutrition. But nothing I read could help me stop bingeing.
Meet Sheira
Credentials & Training
Licensed MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA) since 2003, author, podcaster and teacher on relationships and disordered eating.
Specialized Training
Studied and integrated three different approaches to attachment-based couples counseling; hold a master's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy.
Psychology Instructor
Devised and taught anti-diet method (Eat in Peace) to groups in private practice, doctors' offices, drug and ED rehab programs and through the UC Berkeley Extension Psychology Certificate program.
My Approach
I draw from multiple therapeutic modalities, always tailoring my approach to what serves you best. My work is grounded in:
Above all, I believe in the therapeutic relationship itself. When we meet authentically, with presence, empathy and courage, change happens naturally.
