New to Grow
Shawn is a Master's level Clinical Mental Health Therapist/Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion to help individuals live their best lives. You and I will work together to identify challenges, maladaptive thoughts & behaviors, and mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression. We will collaborate to develop a plan to improve symptoms and overcome the barriers that keep you from living life to the fullest!
If you've not had therapy in the past, please know that the first session is much different than subsequent sessions. During your first appointment, we will be discussing the issues that led to you reaching out. I commend you for reaching out, as that is often the hardest part. We will also be establishing goals for treatment. What do you hope to get out of our time working together? After this first appointment, sessions will be what you want and need them to be. Some people come to realizations as they talk through (process) things with a non-biased listener, and some people want or need more feedback. I welcome you to, at any time, express what it is you need in any given session - be it coping skills, practice setting boundaries, role-playing difficult conversations, validation, cathartic release (a good cry), or anything else.
I am a compassionate, non-judgmental person who truly enjoys seeing others thrive! Clients say I am easy to talk to, and my relaxed approach helps them to feel comfortable quickly. I started out being a lot more CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) but I soon realized that different people need different things. Taking an eclectic approach to counseling allows me to look at your situation, strengths, and supports, and tailor your treatment to what works best for you!
I'm best positioned to support those exploring their identity, seeking to improve self-esteem and self-confidence, and those experiencing life transitions. I enjoy helping those struggling with setting boundaries, communicating with friends and family, and expressing their authentic self. I also work well with individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, especially if they continue to have relationship challenges or negative self-talk today. I value and welcome those in the LGBTQIA+ community who are seeking a non-judgmental, compassionate therapist to help them navigate challenges unique to our community.
Eclectic
I believe that no two people are alike, and as a result, I take a personalized approach to helping clients in therapy. Techniques and interventions are tailored to your unique situation, strengths, and supports. My role is to help you establish goals, identify barriers to those goals, and develop solutions to overcome those barriers.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe that you, the client, are the expert of your own life. You have it within yourself to grow, heal, and thrive. I feel it is my job, as the therapist, to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere with unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and authenticity. This safe space allows you the freedom to untangle your thoughts and feelings, foster self-awareness, build self-esteem, and trust your own decision-making skills.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
It's our thoughts about our life and experiences that impact us more negatively than the experiences themselves. Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all affect one another. CBT aims to replace negative thoughts or cognitive distortions to help improve emotions and quality of life while minimizing mental health symptoms.
Gender-affirming therapy
Whether questioning, fluid, or transitioning, our work together will allow a safe space for you to explore your gender identity and expression. I understand many of the unique challenges and stressors you face and I am here to help you cope with and navigate those challenges.