LCSW, 16 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Shawna, LCSW, CCTS. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University in 2012 and have dedicated my career to supporting individuals through compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered care. My approach is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and collaboration. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where you can feel genuinely heard and understood. Whether you're navigating trauma, life transitions, anxiety, or other challenges, I walk alongside you with care and respect, helping you build on your strengths and move toward meaningful healing and growth.
In the first session, clients can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where they are truly heard and seen. My approach is client-centered, which means we move at your pace, focusing on what feels most important and relevant to you. I prioritize creating a safe environment built on empathy, compassion, and authenticity. During our first meeting, I’ll gently explore your reasons for seeking therapy, answer any questions you may have, and begin to understand your goals and hopes for the process. It's a time for us to begin building a trusting relationship — the foundation for meaningful therapeutic work.
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is the warm, compassionate, and genuine connection I build with each client. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. I tailor our work together to your unique needs, drawing from a variety of evidence-based methods including Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths-Based approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Together, we focus on building insight, identifying your strengths, and developing practical strategies to move toward your goals. I believe that healing and growth happen within a trusting relationship, and I’m committed to walking alongside you with empathy, understanding, and respect every step of the way.
My clinical practice is dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore challenges, gain insight, and develop effective strategies for healing and growth. I utilize a holistic approach, integrating a range of evidence-based treatment methods tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. A significant focus of my work involves helping clients identify and process unresolved trauma that may contribute to current difficulties in thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. By fostering resilience and self-awareness, I support individuals in building healthier coping skills and moving toward greater well-being.
I have been practicing CBT with clients for many years to help them change their thinking process.