LMHC, 12 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello and welcome. I’m Shakis Farmer, and for more than ten years I’ve supported children, adults, and families in both schools and the community. Taking the step toward therapy shows strength, and I’m honored to be part of your journey. I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel safe, valued, and truly heard. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling stuck or overwhelmed, but growth becomes possible when we have the right tools and support. My role is to walk alongside you, helping you uncover solutions, restore balance, and reconnect with the strengths you already carry within you. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Together, we can create a path forward that feels empowering and meaningful.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure. Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other in a calm, supportive space. We’ll talk about what brought you here, what you’d like to work on, and what you hope to gain from therapy, but there’s no pressure to have it all figured out. I’ll ask some gentle questions to learn more about your experiences, strengths, and goals, and together we’ll start shaping a plan that feels realistic and tailored to you. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, heard, and understood from the very beginning. Many clients say they leave the first session feeling lighter-simply from being able to talk openly and know they don’t have to face things alone. By the end of our first meeting, my hope is that you’ll feel grounded, supported, and ready to take this journey one step at a time.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to truly listen and create a space where clients feel seen and understood. Building genuine rapport is at the heart of my work; I believe the therapeutic relationship itself is a key part of healing. I meet clients where they are, offering validation and support while gently guiding them toward growth. I also bring a sense of humor into the process when it fits; therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy or like another burden on your plate. My goal is to make each session feel approachable, meaningful, and even restorative. I help clients take what we discuss in session and integrate those insights and skills into their everyday lives, so therapy becomes a part of real, lasting change-not just something that happens once a week.
I work best with individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes but may feel unsure about where to begin. You might be feeling anxious, discouraged, or simply worn down from trying to manage everything on your own. Maybe life feels out of balance, or you’ve lost touch with the sense of peace and confidence you once had. My approach is grounded in understanding and collaboration. I’m here to help you explore what’s getting in the way, strengthen your coping skills, and rediscover the parts of yourself that feel strong, capable, and whole. If you’re seeking a space to slow down, be heard, and start creating real change, you’re in the right place.
I have worked with children, teens, and adults who have experienced trauma, anxiety, and depression, helping them navigate life’s challenges and find ways to cope more effectively. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients recognize patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and develop practical strategies to manage them. Over time, this approach can reduce stress, improve mood, and support healthier ways of responding to difficult situations.
I often integrate mindfulness into my work with clients because it helps create a sense of calm and awareness in the middle of life’s challenges. Mindfulness is about learning to slow down, notice your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and reconnect with the present moment. For many people, whether dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma, mindfulness offers a way to step out of constant worry and find moments of peace, even during difficult times. In therapy, I guide clients in using mindfulness tools that fit naturally into everyday life, such as grounding exercises, mindful breathing, or learning to pause before reacting. These small practices can have a big impact, helping you feel more balanced, focused, and in control. Over time, mindfulness can support emotional healing, build resilience, and bring a greater sense of connection to yourself and those around you.
I believe that understanding your experiences is an essential part of the healing process, which is why I incorporate psychoeducation into my work with clients. Psychoeducation provides the knowledge and context that make therapy strategies more effective. When you understand why certain patterns happen and how different tools can help, it becomes easier to apply those skills in your daily life. My goal is to make sure you feel informed, empowered, and confident in the steps you are taking toward growth and well-being.