Shefali Thaman, M.A., M.Ed., LMFT

I bring over 10 years of experience and compassionate care to my young clients and their families navigating anxiety & OCD. Backed by advanced graduate training in child and adolescent mental health I tailor therapy to each child’s developmental stage, needs and personality, making therapy feel safe, effective and truly personal.

With a strong foundation in research-based therapies, I understand how anxiety and OCD can show up differently across ages and settings — from childhood through the teen years. I believe in partnering with both parents and schools (when needed) so progress extends well beyond the therapy room.

Education & credentials

Licensed LMFT in California (License #146493)

SPACE treatment trained, Yale Child Study Centre

Advance Diploma in Child Guidance and Counseling, GGSIUP, India

M.Ed School Psychology, Pennsylvania State University

MA Applied (Clinical) Psychology, University of Delhi

B.A Psychology, University of Delhi

Professionally affiliated

Specialized Training at a Glance

My clinical work has also been strengthened through group consultations and case-based trainings with leading experts in the field of child anxiety and OCD, including Dr. John Piacentini and Dr. Ann Marie Albano.
I have 10+ years of hands-on experience supporting families across schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and intensive outpatient (IOP) settings.
I gained 3,000+ supervision hours in CBT, ERP, and ACT, focused specifically on child and teen anxiety & OCD.

How my own Story led to Peekaboo

I still remember what it felt like to feel anxiety as a teenager. My worried mind felt so heavy and it mattered when my school counselor slowed down long enough to truly understood me. Her kindness gave me the courage to face my fears and discover strengths I didn’t know I had. I can still recall sitting across from her and finally feeling seen. That experience didn’t just ease my anxiety, it planted the seed for my life’s work.

Today, through Peekaboo, I bring that same balance of warmth and structure to kids, teens, and parents. My approach combines evidence-based therapy with compassion and relatability, so families feel not only understood but also empowered with tools they can carry long after therapy ends.

My mission is simple...

to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in a way that feels warm & relatable – never cold, clinical, or ineffective.

I know that every child’s story is shaped by culture, identity, and family. I welcome and affirm LGBTQIA2S+ kids ,teens and parents, honor cultural traditions, and provide therapy that reflects the uniqueness of each child’s world. My goal is for every family who I help to feel seen, respected, and supported.

Here’s a Glimpse into the life that grounds me

I’m happiest with a book in hand, a cup of chai, a good movie or a picnic in the park with my daughter & my husband.

Dancing resets my nervous system. Bollywood playlists are my forever favourite.

I love the Marvel World- Loki being one of my recent faves.

Some days are Billie Elish days and some are Taylor Swift, others are Coldplay and Ed Sheeran. But music is music and I am in no camp. Sometimes it is just about a good bollywood beat that I can dance to.

Finding the right care for your child or teen makes all the difference!

Let’s connect to see how I can support your family.