Meet Shanelle McClaine, LCSW – Your Partner in Healing and Growth I help individuals reclaim their lives from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the deep impact of trauma. As a trauma-informed psychotherapist and U.S. Air Force veteran with over 18 years of experience, I bring warmth, professionalism, and a deep understanding of how past experiences shape our present. Clients who work with me often describe feeling seen, heard, and truly understood—sometimes for the first time. My approach combines evidence-based therapies like EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and somatic practices, all tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're navigating emotional overwhelm, past trauma, or simply feeling stuck, I provide a safe, supportive space to process, heal, and grow. I specialize in working with adults, teens, and families across Virginia and have helped many clients move from surviving to thriving. Most begin noticing positive shifts within the first few sessions—feeling more grounded, confident, and connected to themselves and others. Therapy with me isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about rediscovering your strength, rewriting your story, and creating lasting change.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Starting therapy is a brave and empowering step, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions before your first session—curiosity, nervousness, hope, or even doubt. My goal is to make your experience as comfortable and supportive as possible from the very beginning. A Safe, Judgment-Free Space The first session is about connection. You’ll be welcomed into a safe, trauma-informed space where you’re free to show up exactly as you are—no pressure, no expectations to “have it all together.” Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure of what to say, or already have a list of things you want to work on, that’s okay. You set the pace. Getting to Know You We’ll begin with an open conversation about what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask questions to better understand your history, what you're currently struggling with, and what you'd like to gain from our work together. You’re always in control of what you choose to share—this is your time, and there’s no rush to dive into painful topics unless and until you’re ready. This initial session is also about getting to know your story in the broader context of your life: What stressors or symptoms are you dealing with? Have you experienced any trauma or major life changes? How is your mental health impacting your daily life, relationships, or self-worth? You’re welcome to talk as much or as little as you like. Some clients come in ready to talk, while others need more time to feel safe. Both are completely valid. What I’ll Share with You I’ll explain how therapy works and walk you through the approaches I use, such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), or somatic work. If you're new to therapy, I’ll take the time to break things down so nothing feels overwhelming. If you’ve been in therapy before, we’ll talk about what has (or hasn’t) worked for you in the past. We’ll also go over important details like: Confidentiality and its limits Session structure and frequency Boundaries and communication between sessions Your rights and autonomy as a client You’ll have a chance to ask any questions—whether they’re about therapy, my approach, or what to expect moving forward. Nothing is too small to ask. Collaborative Goal Setting Toward the end of the session, we’ll begin to explore what healing or progress might look like for you. This isn’t about setting rigid goals but about getting clarity on what you hope to change, resolve, or understand better. For some clients, this mea

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I bring a unique combination of skills, empathy, and knowledge to my work with clients. My therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion, evidence-based techniques, and a deep respect for the resilience of the human spirit. I offer clients a safe, supportive space to heal, grow, and rediscover their strengths. Here are the core strengths that shape my practice and guide my work with every individual: Deep Compassion and Empathy One of the greatest strengths I bring to my work is my ability to connect with clients on a deeply compassionate and empathetic level. Whether a client is seeking help for trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I meet them with understanding and warmth. I know that reaching out for help can feel vulnerable, and I strive to make every person feel heard, seen, and valued. This empathy allows me to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to express themselves fully. I recognize the courage it takes to open up about past wounds, fears, or struggles, and I honor the unique emotional journey each person is on. My clients often share that they feel truly understood and supported, which helps them feel comfortable enough to engage in deep, transformative work. Trauma-Informed Care Having worked with clients who have experienced various forms of trauma, I am committed to offering a trauma-informed approach in every aspect of therapy. This means recognizing the pervasive impact trauma can have on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and integrating this awareness into the care I provide. I understand that trauma can affect all areas of life, from relationships to work to self-esteem, and I approach every session with sensitivity to these dynamics. I use specialized techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences. By integrating trauma-informed practices with therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I offer a holistic and individualized approach that empowers clients to move beyond their past experiences and reclaim their lives. Culturally Competent and Client-Centered Care I value diversity and approach each client as a unique individual with their own cultural background, values, and worldview. Whether working with clients from different cultural, ethnic, or socio-economic backgrounds, or those with different life experiences, I tailor my approach to respect and h

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Who I Work Best With: Finding the Right Fit for Healing and Growth I specialize in helping individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected as a result of anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space for healing, and I work best with clients who are ready to explore their inner world, even if they’re unsure where to begin. Adults Struggling with Trauma or PTSD I serve individuals who have experienced single-incident or complex trauma—including childhood abuse, sexual assault, military trauma, or emotional neglect. Many of my clients come in feeling anxious, on edge, numb, or emotionally exhausted. They may not even realize how their past is affecting their present until we begin unpacking it together. Using EMDR, trauma informed CBT, and somatic-based techniques, I help clients gently process their trauma so they can begin to feel safe and whole again. People Living with Anxiety and Depression If you're constantly battling worry, overthinking, or a sense of hopelessness, I can help you untangle those thought patterns and emotional cycles. Many of my clients feel like they’re “functioning on the outside” but exhausted inside. Therapy offers them a space to breathe, reflect, and learn tools to manage their emotions and reconnect with what matters most. Together, we work to create calm, build resilience, and restore joy. Highly Sensitive Individuals and Empaths I work well with people who feel deeply—emotionally and physically—and are often overwhelmed by the intensity of their internal or external worlds. Whether you’ve been told you're “too sensitive” or you often absorb others’ emotions, I help you understand and honor your sensitivity, set boundaries, and build emotional strength without losing your empathy. Veterans and First Responders As a U.S. Air Force veteran myself, I understand the unique emotional and psychological experiences of military members, veterans, and first responders. I provide culturally competent care that honors your service while addressing the toll it may have taken on your mental health. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, moral injury, or adjusting to civilian life, you don’t have to carry it alone. Women Navigating Life Transitions or Identity Shifts I support women experiencing major life changes—career shifts, motherhood, relationship struggles, or simply a deep internal questioning of "Who am I now?" These clients are often caregivers, professionals, or perfectionists who’

About Shanelle McClaine