Elena Balashova-Shamis, CA Psychologist PSY20104

Elena Balashova-Shamis is a California psychologist with 23 years of experience. She holds the CA Psychologist credential PSY20104 and practices in California. Elena speaks English and Russian and offers care that adapts to each person's situation.

Elena takes an integrative approach that draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and psychoanalytic ideas. She combines depth work with practical steps so people can manage symptoms and understand patterns that keep repeating. Sessions focus on clear goals and steady progress rather than jargon or one-size-fits-all plans.

Her work covers stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression. She also helps people dealing with abandonment, attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, commitment and communication problems, control issues, dissociation, and eating-related struggles. First responder issues, divorce and separation, forgiveness, and gender dysphoria are part of her broader focus areas.

Elena has a long history of teaching and mentoring. She has taught at multiple universities, including UCLA’s medical school, and has publications and presentations in her field. That background informs her careful listening and thoughtfulness in sessions.

People who choose Elena often want both insight and practical support. She aims to help clients notice patterns, try new ways of relating, and build tools for managing day-to-day challenges. To begin, readers should confirm current session options before booking.

Approaches that combine insight and practical tools

Elena uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques alongside psychoanalytic perspectives. Evidence-based techniques often mean working on symptoms with structured strategies - for example, learning ways to manage anxiety or build healthier habits. Psychoanalytic ideas help people understand long-running patterns and emotional themes that show up in relationships and self-view.

These two approaches are a complement rather than a replacement for each other. Elena works with clients to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That collaboration helps shape a plan that balances immediate relief with longer-term understanding.

The biography does not list which online session formats are offered, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make therapy easier to fit into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people connect with a therapist who speaks their language and has specific experience without changing their daily routine.