Sheba S. Andrew, LCSW

I was born and raised in Malaysia and came from very humble beginnings. My career initially started in financial services. After 10 years, I left this career to fulfill my desire to bear witness to others who have not been dealt with good cards. This desire was fueled by what I discovered in my healing journey, and I was inspired to do my small part so that pain and loss (unprocessed trauma) do not get to have the final say! In 2014, while working at a large HMO, I pursued a certification in addiction counseling. During my internship as a counselor at the US Marine Core base, Camp Pendleton, CA, I learned about EMDR. I had an AHA moment upon realizing the role I could play in one's journey by providing EMDR therapy, a powerful form of therapy. That is when I became a licensed clinical social worker specializing in complex trauma and practice EMDR. I completed my Master's in Social Work, specializing in clinical care, at San Diego State University in 2018. Fast forward, I have 10+ years of experience learning and treating trauma. I have worked in various settings throughout my 2nd professional career, including outpatient mental health, crisis services, the juvenile justice system, community-based work, school-based work, and Veterans Affairs (VA). Due to my strong value for learning, I did a social work immersion focused on trauma treatment in Munich, Germany, and I have research experience in treating trauma/PTSD at the VA. I have been practicing EMDR for almost 5 years. My lived experiences, prior career, work in various settings, and cross-cultural experiences in multiple contexts have nurtured my flexibility, curiosity, and ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. I am humbled to have witnessed many people graduate from therapy, and transform their pain and suffering into resilience through EMDR Therapy. My philosophy: However difficult, painful, and entrenched our challenges are, we have within us some degree of personal freedom to make healthy choices. I lean on the wisdom of Viktor Frankl and Edith Eger, Holocaust survivors. I use tangible skills and information rooted in neuroscience. I am collaborative and will empower you in your journey. I also use a no-nonsense approach and will be direct with you. My job is to earn your trust, hold you accountable, and prepare you for a successful therapy experience so that you can take your power and life back.