Hello, I'm Dr. Shakesha (Shai) Evans, though most of my clients refer to me as Dr. Shai. I am a licensed psychologist in Texas with a background in health sciences and extensive clinical training in psychopathology. Since 2008, I've dedicated myself to providing behavioral healthcare services, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and addressing a wide range of mental and behavioral health conditions. My training in health psychology has equipped me to view individuals holistically, considering their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. I believe in treating the person, not just the symptoms they present, and I approach therapy with a focus on comprehensive care and support. I am passionate about combining education with therapeutic support to foster insight and facilitate transformation in my clients' lives. Through collaborative and compassionate care, I aim to empower individuals to overcome challenges, achieve personal growth, and lead fulfilling lives.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session with me, known as the intake appointment, we'll cover essential aspects of therapy, including informed consent, confidentiality limits, and the therapy process. Think of it as the administrative groundwork for our therapeutic journey. After that, I'll take the time to get to know you by exploring your psychiatric, medical, substance use, social, spiritual, and family history. We'll discuss your treatment goals and explore different therapeutic approaches, including my own empathetic and straightforward therapeutic style, aimed at helping you achieve those goals. I encourage you to ask questions during this session to determine if we're a good fit and to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in our therapeutic partnership.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having had the privilege of working with diverse individuals—from active duty soldiers to veterans and their family members—I've gained valuable insights into symptoms and maladaptive behaviors that can hinder quality of life satisfaction. Through careful observation, active listening, and thoughtful conceptualization of each person's experiences, I've amassed a wealth of knowledge. This has enabled me to tailor client-centered, personalized therapeutic approaches using evidence-based methods and assessments. Clients often express how deeply personal their therapeutic journey feels. It's not uncommon for me to hear phrases like "Wow, Dr. Shai, you truly understand me." This feedback reaffirms the importance of fostering a genuine connection and understanding in the therapeutic relationship.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
A significant portion of my clientele has endured various forms of trauma, encompassing childhood experiences that often stem from dysfunctional family dynamics persisting into adulthood. Additionally, I support individuals grappling with feelings of aimlessness and helplessness, guiding them in rediscovering or revitalizing their sense of purpose and direction in life.
About Dr. Shai Evans
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Address
610 Uptown Blvd, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, suite 213Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
The goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is to help individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress and psychological difficulties. CBT is based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and that changing negative or distorted thinking patterns can lead to improvements in mood and behavior.
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding and addressing patterns of attachment that individuals develop in early childhood and how these patterns influence their relationships and psychological well-being throughout their lives. The theory of attachment, initially developed by psychologist John Bowlby, suggests that the quality of early attachment relationships with caregivers (typically parents) shapes individuals' internal working models of themselves and others, influencing their expectations, emotions, and behaviors in relationships.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
The goal of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is to help individuals recover from the psychological impact of traumatic experiences, particularly those related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CPT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically designed to address the cognitive distortions and maladaptive beliefs that often develop following trauma
Integrative
The goal of integrative therapy is to tailor the therapeutic process to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client, taking into account their specific challenges, strengths, cultural background, and personal values. By integrating various therapeutic techniques and perspectives, integrative therapists aim to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to healing and personal growth.
Racial trauma treatment
Racial trauma treatment refers to therapeutic interventions designed to address the psychological and emotional impact of experiencing racism, discrimination, and systemic oppression based on race or ethnicity. Racial trauma can manifest in various forms, including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).