BIO: Dr. Shivaji grew up in Starkville, Mississippi, and spent years moving around the U.S. (New York, Texas), before arriving in North Carolina. In her free time, Dr. Shivaji likes to play tennis, paint, read, rewatch old tv shows (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, etc.) and go to trivia nights.

 

TRAINING: Dr. Shivaji completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Columbia University. After completing her B.A., Dr. Shivaji remained in New York for several years as a research and clinical assistant, contributing to studies on the creation of novel, body-focused emotion regulation techniques and working directly with Dr. Robert Leahy, an expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches. She received her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Baylor University. While in graduate school, Dr. Shivaji received extensive training in evidence-based treatments for anxious-, depressive-, substance-, personality-, and trauma-related disorders in adults. Her research and clinical work focused on improving understanding and treatment of transdiagnostic experiences, such as shame and guilt. Dr. Shivaji went on to receive internship training at Houston’s Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), where she specialized in providing empowering, thoughtful care to historically underserved and underrepresented populations, including trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, and management of race-based stress. During her graduate and internship clinical experiences, Dr. Shivaji sought out opportunities in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with a particular emphasis the flexible use of techniques to meet unique, individual patient needs. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a particular passion for Dr. Shivaji, as she values transparent, effective, skills-based treatment that not only addresses ongoing difficulties, but also empowers patients to pursue their goals and values. Dr Shivaji has received training and supervision in a number of couples-level modalities (Gottman Method, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy). Here at TAP, Dr. Shivaji delivers couples treatment utilizing primarily Cognitive-Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques.Dr. Shivaji is excited to work with the TAP Clinic team to continue delivering evidence-based, individualized care. 

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EXPERTISE: Dr. Shivaji employs a warm and non-judgmental approach for individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences. She sees adult clients for the treatment of anxiety and stress, depression, obsessions and compulsions, trauma, emotion dysregulation, suicidality and self-injury, borderline personality disorder, and substance use difficulties. Dr. Shivaji strives to tailor interventions to suit each individual’s unique needs, contexts, and therapy preferences. She has extensive experience working with racial and ethnic minority stress, LGBTQ+ issues, and identity development. Dr. Shivaji also provides couples treatment for partners seeking improved connection and communication. 

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Dr. Shivaji's CV:

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EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPIES OFFERED: DBT, ERP, CBT, Trauma Therapies, Couples Therapies

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POPULATIONS SERVED: Dr. Shivaji sees teenagers, young adults, and adults for individual therapy. She also provides couples therapy. Dr. Shivaji is a group leader for various adult and adolescent group interventions at the TAP Clinic. Dr. Shivaji does not treat children or provide family therapy.