Dechen Shrestha, MA

Dechen (she/her) is a compassionate and dedicated mental health professional with a strong educational background, holding a BS in Psychology from Fresno Pacific University and an MA in Marriage & Family Therapy from Alliant International University. Additionally, she is certified in Life and Success Coaching from the Jay Shetty Coaching School, an ICF accredited institution.

Dechen has gained significant experience as a therapist trainee, working with children, adolescents, and families at the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC), as well as with children and adults individually and within family systems at the Alliant Family and Couple’s Clinic. Her work is grounded in the belief that mental health is one of the most critical aspects of a person’s life, shaping their relationships with themselves and others. She advocates for investing in mental health, knowing that it can lead to a positive impact on the collective well-being.

Drawn to Wonder’s unique blend of therapy and coaching, Dechen appreciates the focus on both healing the past and preparing for the future. She aligns with Wonder’s systemic approach, which involves an individual’s family and trusted circle in the therapeutic process, having witnessed the benefits of this method in her own practice.

Dechen specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for its practical, evidence-based approach and incorporates Narrative Therapy to allow clients to express their authentic truths. Her empathetic, non-judgmental, and compassionate nature ensures that her clients feel safe and validated in their therapeutic journey. Having grown up in diverse cultural environments, Dechen is open-minded and excels at connecting with individuals from various backgrounds.

In her clinical work, Dechen is passionate about understanding the full context of each situation, effectively communicating individual truths to all parties involved, and guiding them toward recognizing their roles in the healing process. Recently transitioning from youth to adulthood herself, Dechen’s experiences inform her ability to help others navigate similar challenges, emphasizing resilience, self-kindness, and mental health awareness as vital tools for personal growth.

Outside of her professional life, Dechen is known by her friends and family as strong-willed and passionate, particularly about making a positive impact on the world. She enjoys a variety of activities, from staying active and engaged in fitness to painting in the park, attending live music events, and relaxing with her favorite shows and snacks. Dechen is also a proud pet parent to Kai, her beloved bunny of seven years.

Originally from Nepal, Dechen began attending boarding school abroad at the age of 11, eventually moving to the United States to continue her education. She values her close relationships with family and friends, crediting their support for her successes and personal growth. Dechen firmly believes in the power of a strong support system and looks forward to helping families who have turned to Wonder for guidance.