Meet the Staff

Being Vulnerable – a Good Place to Start

Therapy can feel extremely vulnerable at first. It may even be a little nerve-wracking just exploring this Website while thinking about picking up the phone and calling.

You may have several tabs of therapists’ sites in your browser and feel uncertain of how to even begin to pick one. You may even think, “Looks a little young. I don’t know for sure.” We understand all of that. And we hope we can help make your decision a little easier.

We Have a Knack for Putting You at Ease

When you work with the staff at Mental Shifts, we do our very best to put you in as much ease as possible. The good news? We have never had a client who did not feel more comfortable after coming to see us.

In fact, most clients tell us they feel better after their first session. And it only gets better as time goes on, too. The more you meet with us, the safer you will feel. You will begin to feel empowered, self-assured, and worthy of the love you crave. 

At Mental Shifts, what we can offer you is a calm, soothing environment where you will instantly feel well cared for and treated with the respect you deserve.

Picture coming into the office for the first time, sipping coffee (or tea, if you prefer) and having the sense you are in the right place. After the first session, you walk out of the office feeling lighter. You think, “This could work” and “I don’t have to go through this alone anymore.”

It can be hard to take the first step on this journey, and it can be very easy to find excuses not to start – but what awaits you is SO worth it. And YOU are so worth it.

About Dr. Grant

Getting to know you excites me – I love talking with people. I will genuinely take an interest in who you are and care about helping you get the life you desire.

I also won’t stop at listening or talking. I am more than just a great friend you meet at a coffee shop or grab a drink with. I may feel like that at times, but I also have quite a few tools to help you reach your goals.

Here are a few of my credentials:

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University
  • Psychodynamic Concentration (Attachment-focused/Relationship oriented)
  • Licensed Psychologist in the state of Nevada since 2016
  • 10 years of experience in the field
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) trained in Manhattan, NY
  • Past Groups Coordinator at UNLV’s The PRACTICE (CBT, DBT, Young Adult, and Process Groups)
  • Gottman and Imago Dei trained Couples Therapist in Southern CA

I personally feel my calling in life is to help others. I get a sense of accomplishment from meeting people who are struggling, maybe even in a dark place, and helping them find their way out. That is not only what I love to do, but what I can do for you.

When I am not helping people, I enjoy playing with my two dogs, cooking dinners with my fiancé, and doing amateur photography. In fact, several photos on this Website were taken by yours truly (not the ones of staff).

Check out my blog/book review
Couch It with Dr. G: Live on Wednesdays

About Kaydian Woolery, CPC-I

Hi, I’m Kaydian. I believe we all have the potential to grow and to achieve happiness and fulfillment in our lives.

Sometimes this is not always an easy process. Life is full of challenges and some of them can be debilitating, impairing our ability to function.

Regardless of whether you are experiencing a crisis (traumatic experience, relationship distress, divorce, grief) or desperately trying to change an old pattern of behavior, I am here to listen.

I want to help you succeed and break free of whatever it may be causing you pain and suffering. Pain is inevitable suffering is not! Using evidence based techniques I assist clients to reach their best self.

My role as the therapist is to help bring awareness and be a guide to the client. My theoretical Orientation is CBT and Rogerian. The client plays a major role in their therapeutic journey.

I offer Parts and Memory therapy interventions as well as DBT techniques.

I provide my clients a empathetic and non-judgmental ear to work through their distress. I invite you to call or email me today, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Begin your healing today.

About Vanya Georgieva-Matev, MFT-I

My name is Vanya.
My life experience has helped me gain a valuable understanding of what it is like to go through profound, and life-changing loss. In addition, I am trained to assist you in handling life trauma, along with the pain, guilt, anger, depression, helplessness, and anxiety about the future.
I am a State-Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist intern. I have obtained my degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am trained in the system’s theory approach, therefore I recognize the importance of integrating the whole family in therapy when appropriate.
    A little bit more about me..
    • I have experience with individual clients as well as couples, and families including small children and adolescent
    • I am certified in Grief Treatment: Evidence-Based Approaches to Care Across the Lifespan
    • I am trained in Integrating Marriage and Family Therapy with Families Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • I am trained in basic Applied Behavior Analysis

    Below are a list of my specialties…

    1. Narrative Therapy with individuals, couples, and families for various psychological problems.
    2. Grief Therapy
    3. Solution Focused Therapy with Families Living with ASD

     

     

    Dr. Jacquelyn Rinaldi, PsyD Intern

    Hi, I’m Jacquelyn Rinaldi.
    I have spent the last decade or so investigating compassion and self-awareness as well as the effects of meditation on the psyche. There are so many ways to empower ourselves and create more of what we want in our lives. Often times a shift in thinking can make a huge impact on the outcome of our lives.
    My training is in Archetypal Psychology which is a combination of Psychology, Philosophy, and the spiritual aspects of the Psyche.
    Much of my approach centers around deepening self-awareness which is a key to living with balance. The more self-aware we are, the more apt we are to choose assertive, wholehearted, compassionate responses when challenging situations arise. As we deepen our self-awareness, we also develop greater clarity, well-being, and resilience which is the key to overcoming many challenges in life such as depression, anxiety, and feelings of being stuck.
    Currently, I am continuing my training, earning another doctorate degree in clinical psychology. This aspect of psychology brings the diagnostic and cognitive science aspects as well as many research-based practices and interventions to my skillset.

    I also enjoy teaching Psychology at College of Southern Nevada, as well as speaking and leading workshops for corporate clients and conferences across the country.

    My Specialties include: 

    • Shadow work, unraveling the knots from the unconscious mind
    • Dream analysis
    • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
    • Certified Meditation Teacher: trained by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach

     

    Danny Phung, CPC Student Intern

    Do you feel misunderstood? Are you engaging in negative self talk? Do you find it difficult to communicate your needs, wants, or expectations?
    Hi, I’m Danny. I am a student therapist who believes that change can be achieved within.
    Are you feeling lonely because your ideal self is not congruent with your current self? Is there something you have not been able to let go?
    If you choose to work with me, I can help you explore the depths of your emotions and experiences. From there, I believe that therapy is beneficial for those who are honest with themselves and are willing to be open-minded to new perspectives.
    My approach to therapy is a collaborative one. I seek to understand your world, your issues, and most importantly you! As your therapist, you can expect me to listen and challenge you when appropriate. I am here to help you, guide you, and support you. It is my objective to make you balanced and whole.
    I can help you identify what it is that has been holding you back, generate solutions, and find meaningful ways to implement them into your life.
    There is no one size fits all in therapy, so I tailor my approach to your expectations and your needs.
    I am excited to meet YOU!