Holly Hopkins Shah, Psy.D.
Quality Care & Experience You Can Count On
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, anxiety, depression or major life changes? There comes a time when help is needed from a professional to cope with many of life’s challenges. I’m a licensed psychologist in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, and I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
I offer psychological care designed specifically to promote your full potential health and wellness. I am dedicated to providing you with the utmost care and concern, respect, and dedication in your healing process.Â
I provide consultations and psychotherapy for adults, groups, and couples. My specialties include trauma, depression, bipolar, anxiety, women’s issues, addiction, transitions, sexuality, relationships, parenting, grief, and stress management.
About Dr. Holly Hopkins Shah
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
Dr. Shah received her undergraduate degree at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated with Psychology Honors and published two articles as an undergraduate student. She chartered the first chapter of Psi Chi, the honors society for psychology students at her university. She received her Masters and Doctorate degrees at the California School of Professional Psychology in Alameda, California.
Dr. Shah received her training in a variety of settings including several public clinics, a psychiatric hospital, suicide hotlines, schools, and group homes. She has also worked closely with a psychiatrist and physician in private practice.
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:
Licensed by the California Board of Psychology, License # PSY19534.
Licensed by the State of Florida Department of Health, License # PY11808
Dr. Shah is a Board Certified Professional Counselor with the American Psychotherapy Association.
She has also completed specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and is a Certified EMDR Therapist.
​
Services
Dr. Shah offers individual, couples & group psychotherapy for adults. This includes working with you using evidence-based practices to promote your healing and wellbeing. Together, we will create an individualized treatment plan using co-created goals for therapy.
Consultation
Psychotherapy
EMDR
Style and approach to psychotherapy:
I approach therapy to help my client bring about new thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors in their life that will have a lasting impact on daily functioning and in interpersonal relationships, work, and how you view yourself and the world around you. I help to reinforce and build coping techniques, develop strategies to make adaptive changes in your life, reach your full potential, and obtain more meaning out of the life you live.
Because psychotherapy involves a commitment of time, money and emotional energy, it is important that you find a therapist that you feel you can work with. Sometimes patients notice that the connection between themselves and their new therapist is not what they expected. If this occurs, it is suggested that you address these concerns with the therapist directly to resolve this issue before it impacts the quality of treatment and your participation in therapy.
When treating patients, I tailor my way of working to who you are, what your needs are, and what your goals are.
I work using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Ego State, Relational, and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) approach.
When working from a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy structured approach, the therapist focuses on relieving symptoms through assisting the patient in changing the way they think about and perceive the problem. I can also work with the patient in developing some relaxation techniques and identifying triggers to symptoms.
In a Psychodynamic approach, the therapist works with patients in a more unstructured way. In doing so, the doctor and the patient work collaboratively on exploring life circumstances, historical experiences, and how one relates to the other to produce the target symptom.
For those wanting to address their reactions to a traumatic event, I will work with this patient using EMDR.
Generally speaking, most patients have reported the best results with this combined approach to fully relieve difficulties and symptoms and come to a place of healing and wholeness.
Testimonials
"I just want to take a moment and thank you from the bottom of my heart, for everything you have done for me. You (and I, with your help) have processed my childhood pain. Pain I never knew was there, but was affecting everything in my life. Most importantly, my relationship with the love of my life. That pain is minimal now. Its detrimental effect on my life, now also small. Others tried to help me before, but no one reached me like you did. You are so good at this work! And checking my Medicare notices, I see that you have accepted lower payment and still did your best work with me. I can never thank you enough! But for now, please know that you have helped me save my loving relationship. And since [she] is my Life, you have saved my Life!" -RB, Client
"Dr. Holly Shah is an amazingly effective therapist. After interviewing about half a dozen therapists, I signed her up to work on my trauma (C-PTSD) issues. I made tremendous progress and that work truly transformed my life.
She is excellent at EMDR therapy. She did many things right in this process - gave the right level of encouragement and support, gently brought me back to processing subtle sticky stuff which my mind tried to slip away from, and over time helped me replace negative beliefs with positive wholesome ones. Outside of EMDR, she was excellent at listening to me talk about my life troubles. She offered practical, well informed advice and tools. She was very patient and did not rush into offering advice or force any of it on me. As a person, she is friendly, unassuming and humble which is very refreshing.
To say that I am incredibly grateful to her is a big understatement." - PB, Client
FAQ
What is your cancellation policy
I require 48 hours for cancellations of appointments to avoid a cancellation fee.
How long does each therapy session take?
My therapy sessions are usually 50-60 minutes with most running 53-55 minutes long.
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
I have 1-2 slots in my schedule at all times for sliding-scale, low-fee or pro bono clients. Those slots are currently taken. Feel free to inquire an be placed on my waiting list for a low fee slot.
​
Contact Dr. Shah
1361 S. Winchester Blvd., Ste 111, San Jose, CA 95128
650-799-3623