Meet Our Clinicians

Shannon Chavez Qureshi, PsyD, CST is a nationally recognized expert, therapist, and educator specializing in “all things sexuality” including help for men, women, LGBTQIA, and couples; the treatment of sexual disorders; sex education for conservative religious and cultural groups; sexual trauma and abuse; and compulsive behaviors surrounding love, romance, and sex. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California (PSY26924) with a private practice in Beverly Hills, California (SHAPE Center) where she works with individuals and couples (of all genders and orientations) to address sexual concerns and build sexual awareness through therapy, coaching, and education. Learn about her approach to sex therapy here. Dr. Shannon is also a national speaker on women’s sexual health and has been featured on major news, radio, and television programs as a sex and relationship expert. She has been featured in New York Times, GQ, HuffPost, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Well+Good. She also wrote a guide for clinicians on the treatment of love addiction through the use of attachment-oriented psychodynamic therapy – proving she has actually “written the book on it”! She works with various organizations and programs as a presenter, spokesperson, media commentator, and consultant in sexual health and wellness, relationships, and mental health.

Alexandra Agar is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She became interested in a practice focused on sex and sex therapy while earning her MS at California State University, Northridge, and ultimately plans to become an AASECT Certified Sex therapist. During her graduate studies she was a member of an award-winning team who developed a psychoeducational curriculum for adolescent boys with problematic sexual behavior and as her graduate thesis, created a proposal for a hands-on sex and sexuality workshop in the Los Angeles area for people with disabilities. Alexandra interned at the Ness Center in Los Angeles where she counseled adolescents, families, and couples with issues ranging from intimacy and self-esteem to depression and addiction. Every human has the right to achieve full sexual citizenship, incorporating sexual expression, sexual health, and well-being, no matter their age, gender, physical limitations, or sexual preference. Working with Dr. Chavez at the SHAPE Center, a space dedicated to sex positivity and inclusion focusing on both the mind and the body is a unique opportunity to connect with clients experiencing stigma, exclusion, or a lack of confidence in their ability to claim or reclaim their sexual health. Alexandra offers a safe, sex-positive environment for PWD/kink/poly/LGBTQIA+ couples and individuals, along with CBT, addiction recovery, and behavioral & mind-body interventions.

Peter Bippus is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT136770) and professional clinical counselor (LPCC11200) registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. During his graduate studies at Pepperdine University, he became part of a team designed to reduce recidivism rates by teaching skills around impulse control to inmates at a correctional facility in downtown Los Angeles. He then went on to a traineeship at the LGBT Center in Orange County where he counseled individuals and families coping with the specific concerns of that community. As Lead Prevention Specialist at CLARE|MATRIX, a non-for-profit center for substance use disorder, he was recognized for his work with at-risk youth and their families by the City of Santa Monica and featured in the “We Are Santa Monica” initiative. As of Spring 2019, Peter joined SHAPE Center, the private practice of the nationally recognized sex therapist Dr. Shannon Chavez, Psy.D, where he offers therapy to individuals and couples dealing with sexual health issues.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and experiential. We will work towards your goal by using internal wisdom and life experience to build on the existing resources in order to help you find a more satisfying life and relationships. I specialize in mood disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar), relationships, family difficulties, LGBTQQI issues and PTSD/trauma. I have over seventeen years’ experience with counseling men on how to be better in their relationships and have extensive training working with couples. I value both evidenced-based techniques and the therapeutic connection. I am available for Saturday sessions (by appointment only) and offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss if we could work well together.

Renee Olstead, M.A., AMFT (she/her), is a Los Angeles-based Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT139104) providing sex therapy and affirming care to female-identifying and gender-expansive populations, as well as all genders within the adult entertainment community. Before joining the SHAPE Center, Renee completed her MFT traineeship at COLORS LGBTQ+ Youth Counseling, where she provided therapeutic support to young adults aged 18-26. Renee's previous experience includes work with Autism Works Now!, where she served as a workshop co-coordinator and worksite supervisor, and The Relational Center, where she provided intake services and suicidality screenings. Additionally, Renee is an active member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), staying current with the most recent developments and training programs available in her areas of expertise. Renee is proud to join the esteemed professionals of the SHAPE Center, where she looks forward to creating an affirmative therapeutic environment for her clients and sharing her solution-focused approach to sexual identity, difficulty, and growth.