For over a year, I met with Dr. Merchant and found it incredibly easy to speak honestly and candidly with her. Therapy, however, was anything but easy. Her objectivity, kindness and candor helped me to adjust some of the self-defeating, negative mantras that lived in my head. She was quick to identify my lack of self-compassion as well as, other core issue that were holding me back. I used the time in between sessions to reflect on our conversations and journal about them. This helped to give me some clarity and reassured old patterns of doubt and uncertainty. Surprisingly, this made me look forward to our visits even though the context of our talks were often painful and difficult to discuss. I am forever grateful for Dr. Merchant’s professionalism and obvious commitment to my well-being.
Shaayestah is wonderful. She was very helpful in coming with fresh perspectives and ideas on where I am and what my journey is looking like. It was really nice to be around someone that I felt very comfortable with, and that I also respected as both a spiritual and scientific teacher. She is patient and kind. More than anything, I found that speaking with both her and the group was very helpful for working out very complex ideas and sorting through a lot of different emotions and layers of feeling in order to get to the Core issues in heart of the matter. She is very validating, while also quick to point out when we fall back into destructive patterns and habits, especially emotionally.
- Satisfied Client, Denver
Shaayestah always showed genuine concern and sincere compassion when leading the group. I always felt guided by her wisdom, and I always took solace in the fact that she insisted that there be an open dialogue. It is very apparent that she is passionate about helping others, that she deeply cares for the people she’s treating, and also that she possesses the expertise and skill sets necessary to effectively help them. She was a key component in my journey toward healing….she was able to determine exactly where I was in my journey, meet me there, and walk with me while offering guidance.
I couldn’t ask for a stronger group facilitator and therapist than Dr. Merchant. She has a deep understanding of trauma and its effects, and she intuitively knows the individual needs and struggles of group members. She walks a nice balance between firm guidance and gentle support, and these characteristics create an exceptional environment for growth and development through yoga. I know that my healing was accelerated as a result of my time with Dr. Merchant, and I’m certain that others feel the same.
Her reassurance and her knowledge on trauma it was what I have been looking for and found it in her!
I wish you the best, and want to thank you for your help. I was going through a pretty difficult time last year and it was very nice to have someone who was understanding and at the same time helpful in what I might be able to do.
Dr. Merchant was very knowledgeable and was able to foster really helpful and proactive group discussions. I thought she prompted key questions which focused on healing that helped me dig deep in my experiences and analyze my emotions.
Dr. Merchant is kind and compassionate, smart, respectful and genuine.
Dr. Merchant was calm and consistent which provided me a stable place to come back to each week.
Shaayestah was very good at facilitating each of our sessions. She was also great at keeping us on track.
Dr. Merchant had a kind and gentle demeanor but was good at setting expectations/boundaries for group and also ensuring that everyone’s needs were respected/met.