Sheila Shidnia, MFT Candidate, Clinical Trainee

Sheila Shidnia (she/her) holds board certification as a music therapist and has undergone post-graduate training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University, Sheila's practice is enriched by her extensive background. Through her music therapy practice and NMT training, Sheila works with children and adults facing challenges such as impulsivity, disorganization, low frustration tolerance, and low self-esteem. She values music therapy as a medium that provides a unique mode of expression, transcending language barriers and nurturing an authentic emotional experience. Her approach is informed by ideologies that embrace a broader perspective beyond Western norms and cultural boundaries.

As she trains to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, Sheila understands the profound connection between healthy relationship and positive self-esteem. She skillfully guides individuals, couples, and families through transitions, facilitating deeper self-understanding and emotional exploration. Grounded in Gottman’s Couples Therapy and employing narrative and experiential models, Sheila unveils creative potentials and dismantles problem-saturated stories influenced by societal constructs.

Sheila's holistic approach draws from her own life journey as a classically trained pianist, an arts marketing professional, a parent, and her experiences growing up as a first-generation Iranian-American. Her personal struggles in navigating cultural and artistic acceptance have deeply shaped her perspective, highlighting the importance of recognizing our multifaceted identities. Sheila believes acknowledging these diverse facets empowers us to embrace vulnerability, cultivate resilience, and embark on a journey of growth.