Anxiety Insights
EB Portrait of Elena Balashova-Shamis

Elena Balashova-Shamis, CA Psychologist

Experienced psychologist for anxiety and stress

23 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English, Russian · online sessions

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About Elena

Elena Balashova-Shamis is a California psychologist with over 23 years of clinical experience. She combines long-term clinical practice with academic teaching to help people manage stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and grief. She is licensed as a CA Psychologist, PSY20104, and communicates in English and Russian.

Her background includes teaching at several local universities and involvement in academic work such as presentations and publications. That experience informs a thoughtful, reflective approach in sessions.

Book with Elena Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

She draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and adapts them to each person's needs. In the therapy room she focuses on practical steps people can use right away. Sessions often include talking through patterns, planning small behavior changes, and practicing ways to reduce anxiety.

She pays attention to attachment and abandonment concerns when they come up, and addresses issues like body image, eating-related problems, and caregiver stress. She also supports people coping with trauma and dissociation, as well as those dealing with divorce, separation, or loss. First responder stress and recovery after natural or human-caused disasters are listed concerns she addresses.

Her work balances depth with clear, doable strategies. Sessions are offered through video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging. People interested in starting complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.

Evidence-based approaches and online care

Elena uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques in ways that are easy to understand and use. One common strand in her work focuses on understanding attachment and abandonment patterns - looking at how early relationships shape current reactions and teaching ways to shift those patterns to reduce anxiety and improve relationships. Another emphasis is on trauma-informed work that helps people reduce symptoms of traumatic stress and dissociation by building grounding skills and pacing deeper exploration so it feels manageable.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. She will work with each person to decide which techniques fit their goals, needs, and comfort level, and will adjust the plan over time. This collaborative stance helps shape sessions that feel relevant and realistic for everyday life.

Online therapy offers practical benefits that match her flexible practice. Video calls let people keep face-to-face connection when that is helpful. Phone sessions can be used for lower-bandwidth check-ins or when being on camera is not convenient. Live chat and text-based messaging support brief check-ins, between-session contact, or stepping into therapy for the first time without committing to longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while keeping focus on progress and coping.
Book with Elena Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and relationship concerns. Additional focus areas include body image, caregiver stress, and issues around attachment and abandonment.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She uses an integrative, evidence-based approach that balances deeper understanding with practical steps. Sessions typically combine conversation, behavioral planning, and skills practice to reduce anxiety and improve coping.
What is her professional background?
She has 23 years of clinical experience and participates in academic teaching and presentations. That background shapes a reflective practice informed by clinical and scholarly work.
Where is she based and what are her credentials?
She practices in California and is listed as a CA Psychologist with licence PSY20104. Sessions are offered remotely within the state.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Russian.
What session formats are offered?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. People can choose formats that fit their schedules and communication preferences.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that, schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

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Also listed

Experience
23 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English, Russian

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