We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Daneshrad. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.

Shannon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Reflecting on the impact my father had on my life and career, there are a few key principles he embodied that have deeply influenced who I am today. My father was an excellent example of how a parent can support a child in becoming independent, resilient, and emotionally attuned. While he raised two children amidst his own challenges, he always ensured that his problems were not ours to bear, yet he never hid his emotions from us. This transparency normalized emotions in our home, allowing us to express ourselves without shame or judgment.
In my view, parents should embody three essential elements: consistency, tolerance, and compassion. These were all present in my father’s approach, and they provided the foundation upon which I’ve built my personal and professional life. Consistency gave me a secure foundation, helping me feel safe as I explored the world and my identity. Tolerance allowed me to understand that emotions, no matter how intense, were not “too much.” It gave me the space to self-regulate as I watched him lead by example. Compassion, perhaps the most impactful of all, allowed me to grow without judgment. My father understood that emotional expressions, especially when they surfaced as behaviors, were often signs of unexpressed feelings. He never reacted with harshness, but with curiosity and empathy. This compassion not only created a sense of safety but also helped me understand the importance of boundaries.
Through these lessons, I learned that exploring boundaries is a natural part of development—not defiance, but learning. These principles have had a profound impact on my work as a psychologist. They help guide how I support my clients—by offering consistency in the therapeutic relationship, tolerance for all emotions, and compassion that allows for growth within a safe, non-judgmental space.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Dr. Shannon Daneshrad, a Licensed Psychologist and the founder of Century Psychology Group based in Beverly Hills, CA. I earned my doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, after completing a master’s in Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, and a bachelor’s in Psychology from San Diego State University.

My journey into psychology began with a deep curiosity about human behavior and a desire to help people navigate life’s challenges. Over the years, I realized that psychology is not just about understanding the mind, but about creating a safe space for individuals to heal, grow, and ultimately thrive. Founding Century Psychology Group was a natural extension of this passion. I wanted to offer a practice that combines clinical expertise with genuine human connection, providing clients with the support they need to explore their emotions and develop resilience.

At Century Psychology Group, we provide a wide range of psychological services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. Our approach is client-centered, meaning we tailor each treatment plan to meet the specific needs of the individual. I specialize in helping clients work through complex emotional issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties. I also work with clients navigating life transitions and seeking personal growth.

One of the things that sets us apart is our emphasis on not only addressing the symptoms but also working on the root causes to foster deep and lasting healing. Our practice focuses on creating a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment, where clients feel empowered to explore their feelings without fear of being misunderstood or stigmatized.

What I’m most proud of is seeing the positive transformations in my clients. Watching someone regain their sense of self, learn to set boundaries, and take control of their lives is incredibly fulfilling. The work we do here is more than just therapy—it’s about helping people realize their potential and live authentically.

For potential clients, what I want you to know is that Century Psychology Group is committed to helping you grow at your own pace. Whether you’re dealing with a significant life challenge, unresolved trauma, or simply want to understand yourself better, we are here to walk alongside you on your journey. I believe in the power of healing through relationships, and I am honored to be part of so many individual journeys toward well-being.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession and specialty. I know it may sound cliché, but I truly love my work, so much so that it rarely feels like “work” in the conventional sense. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a career that is both fulfilling and deeply meaningful. Each day brings new experiences, with every client and session offering unique insights and opportunities for growth—not just for the client, but for me as well.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is the constant need to evolve and adapt. There is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy, and as a clinician, I am continually learning, refining my skills, and developing new ways to meet my clients’ diverse needs. This commitment to lifelong learning keeps the work intellectually stimulating and ensures that I am providing the highest level of care possible.

Ultimately, I am proud to be in a field where I can help people make meaningful changes in their lives, while also growing and challenging myself as a professional. I couldn’t imagine a more gratifying path.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most essential element for succeeding in my field is empathy—the ability to truly understand and connect with another person’s emotions and experiences. While clinical expertise and education are critical, what truly makes therapy impactful is the therapist’s capacity to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported.

Another vital quality is resilience. Working in the mental health field can be emotionally demanding, and it requires a level of inner strength to navigate complex, sometimes painful situations with clients. Being able to maintain one’s own emotional well-being while offering compassionate care is key to long-term success.

Additionally, curiosity is fundamental. Every client’s situation is unique, and a willingness to approach each individual with genuine curiosity—seeking to understand their story, rather than applying preconceived notions—enhances the therapeutic process. This openness to learning, both from clients and new research, ensures that I stay adaptable and provide personalized care.

Finally, patience is indispensable. Change in therapy doesn’t happen overnight, and being able to trust in the process, while offering unwavering support, helps both the therapist and the client progress at a pace that is sustainable and effective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.centurypsychologygroup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centurypsychologygroup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Century-Psychology-Group-61559581211595/?_rdr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/century-psychology-group?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonDaneshrad?app=desktop
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@centurypsychologygroup

Image Credits

Dmitry Shumanev