Unleash Your True Self
Let it all out.
You have essential feelings that you yearn to work through.
The tears start flowing as soon as you sit down with me.
It feels good to release
You’re taken aback by how much you’ve been neglecting your needs and emotions.
Who knew life could be this radiant?
You might find yourself comparing your life to others. You might want to come across perfect to avoid feelings of rejection or shame. You might struggle to post on social media or start a business or begin a project out of fear of failure. You feel scared that you are wasting your life or that you did things differently, which can feel paralyzing.
These are all patterns. “Hello again, old friend. I see you,” you say to the pattern. You begin to acknowledge these patterns and talk to them. “Hey there, comparison. I know you’re trying to help, but I have this now.” “I now know I can become inspired by others, rather than feeling not good enough in comparison.”
Your playful side starts to peek out. As you list things you love about yourself, you become your biggest cheerleader, even if it’s messy. You’re learning to self-regulate, which is much more empowering than your history of wishing and feeling bad about yourself… aka downward spiraling. Now, you are focusing on yourself instead of others and noticing real growth in how you show up in work and relationships!
By talking to your patterns in a nice way, like this, you create space for them to transform. This is a science-based technique. Conversely, If you get frustrated with yourself, shame comes up, which force these detrimental patterns, like comparison, to become more prominent, leaving you feeling dissatisfied with yourself and your life.
Love and be authentic.
A tear slips down your cheek as you realize your partner truly loves you. The fights and frustrations with your partner are fading. You let go of your behavioral patterns that push them away. Now, their thoughtful gestures and consistent attention meet the deep-seated needs you’ve always had. You let yourself fully embrace this love, and it feels beautiful.
Manifest Greatness
You land an exciting career promotion that aligns perfectly with your passions and pays great! The small worries that used to plague you start to fade away. You’re astonished by how life transforms when you begin to show up authentically for yourself.
You start asking for the things you want and see that you are getting them.
You don’t hesitate to visualize the things you want in life anymore and notice that things keep getting better.
You start to realize, “Wow, therapy truly works!”
Shira Hefter, ACSW
My Journey from Burnout to Brilliance
Finding my true self wasn’t easy.
Have you ever hit that wall where you’re completely exhausted and can’t give another ounce of yourself to anyone? That was me. Since a back fracture ended my Olympic-level rhythmic gymnastics career, my identity was lost. I spent years searching for a way to feel connected in the world, but I struggled to fit in, find people who aligned with me, and feel passionate about something again.
One day, it hit me like a ton of bricks: the bullying and trauma I experienced weren’t my fault, but they left me with an inferiority complex and a relentless inner critic who loved to compare myself to others.
I was terrified of failing because of the pressure I felt to prove myself and be seen and accepted by others. I was also petrified of succeeding because I knew that to be successful, I’d have to become an upgraded version of myself – a version of myself that I didn’t know yet and wasn’t sure I was capable of becoming. Simultaneously, I felt like I gave so much to everyone else, but not enough to myself. I was exhausted.
I was confused about my path in life. I wanted to make it in something, to be great, but it felt like it wasn’t happening for me. The lack I was feeling led me toward attracting friends who weren’t there for me, even though I was all in for them. This experience left me struggling to find real connections.
It was tough to admit I lacked deep, genuine friendships, but it was the first step. I decided to let go of caring about others for once, and focus on self-discovery by attending spiritual workshops, completing yoga teacher-training, learning psychology, communication techniques, and healing myself.
This adventure led to massive growth.
With these newfound tools, I conquered insomnia and chronic pain, which had been haunting me since a traumatic event in my life. Around the same time, I committed to therapy, where I unpacked my feelings, traumas, and experiences.
Releasing the past and the stories I believed about myself opened the door to positivity and belief in myself. I began utilizing my time well and doing several things a day that I love to do. I’ve applied my communication skills and have attracted the kind of friendships and romantic partnership I once thought only existed in movies. *Your vibe attracts your tribe.*
I’ve healed family issues and overcome performance anxiety. The shame from being bullied is now released, and that loud inner critic is much quieter now.
I spend my days doing the things I love the most.
I ask for the things I want. I get what I want a lot of the time. I visualize my dreams and I make them happen.
Life is awesome for me; let’s make it awesome for you.
I’ve come a long way.
I earned a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Southern California, became a psychotherapist, received two yoga certifications, and performed Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Currently, I am working toward my Ph.D. at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Now, I am in a position to help others transform from burnout to brilliance.
I’ve experienced devastation and felt not good enough, so I know it’s possible to come out on top. I know it is possible to have a life characterized by incredible relationships, confidence, and success, even when they seem impossible to achieve.
Life outside of therapy is full of adventure.
I love music + yoga festivals, meditation retreats, traveling the world, picnicking with friends, roller skating on the boardwalk, volunteering, scuba diving, and dancing.
I live a fully vibrant life. Now, I help others find their strength, heal their wounds, and go from being a hot mess to hot stuff!
Let’s work together to turn your struggles into strengths and build the life you deserve!