LMHC, 3 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Shontell, and I believe that healing starts with connection—with yourself, with your story, and with someone who truly listens. To give more information about myself, I graduated with honors from Florida Atlantic University, obtaining a Master of Education in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. For the past seven years, I’ve worked as an advocate for individuals with disabilities, both mental and physical. My professional knowledge and genuine compassion, allows me to bring both understanding and realism into my therapeutic practices. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can be your authentic self. Together, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface—unpacking the pain, confusion, or self-doubt that may be keeping you stuck. I’ll walk alongside you as you work toward healing and growth, offering tools that are both practical and empowering.
In our work together, I offer a safe and compassionate space where your thoughts, emotions, and experiences are met with understanding and respect. Using an integrative, client-centered approach, I help you make sense of what’s happening internally, build new coping strategies, and reconnect with your sense of purpose and resilience.
One of my greatest strengths as a counselor is my deep sense of empathy—I genuinely listen, seek to understand, and hold space for clients without judgment. My clients often share that they feel seen, heard, and supported in ways they haven’t experienced before. Another strength I bring is resilience. Life has handed me challenges, and I know firsthand what it feels like to struggle, to question your strength, and to wonder if things will ever get better. Because I’ve been in those shoes, I can connect with my clients not only on a professional level but also on a very human one. My lived experiences allow me to walk alongside people with authenticity, compassion, and hope. These qualities—empathy, resilience, and real-life understanding—help me to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel encouraged to face their struggles, discover new strengths, and begin transforming their own trials into triumphs.
My ideal clients are teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by the weight of depression, anxiety, life transitions, and/or ongoing relationship challenges. You might be someone who’s feeling stuck, constantly overthinking, or struggling to adjust to recent changes—whether it’s a new job, the end of a relationship, or simply navigating the ups and downs of life. Maybe you’re finding it hard to communicate with loved ones or feel emotionally disconnected from those around you. I see you, and I’m here to support you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a type of talk therapy that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The idea is that the way we think about a situation affects how we feel emotionally and physically, and that in turn influences how we act. In my practice, I use CBT by helping clients become more aware of the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns—like negative self-talk, hopelessness, or fear—that may be contributing to stress, depression, or anxiety. I then work with clients to challenge those thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives.
Emotionally Focused Therapy, or EFT, is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people understand and work through their emotions in a safe and supportive way. It is especially helpful in relationships, because it looks at how emotions shape the way we connect with others. The goal is to identify patterns—like pulling away, shutting down, or becoming defensive—and then work on expressing emotions more openly so that relationships feel safer, stronger, and more connected. In my practice, I use EFT by helping clients slow down and explore the feelings underneath their reactions. Together, we look at what emotions are driving certain behaviors and how those emotions affect relationships and self-esteem. I guide clients in expressing their emotions in healthier, clearer ways, which helps them build stronger connections and feel more understood. EFT also allows us to work on healing past hurts, reducing conflict, and creating more supportive, trusting relationships.
The humanistic approach to therapy is based on the idea that every person has the ability to grow, heal, and reach their full potential when given the right support. It emphasizes self-awareness, personal choice, and living in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. The focus is on seeing the whole person—not just their problems—while fostering self-acceptance, personal growth, and empowerment. In my practice, I use the humanistic approach by creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel accepted and understood. I encourage clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and values so they can gain clarity about themselves and their goals. My role is to support clients in discovering their strengths, making choices that align with who they are, and building a greater sense of self-worth and purpose in life.
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative therapy approach that helps people explore their own motivations for change. Instead of being told what to do, clients are guided to talk through their goals, values, and any mixed feelings they may have about making changes. The focus is on building confidence, resolving ambivalence, and strengthening a person’s own reasons for change. In my practice, I use Motivational Interviewing by asking open-ended questions, listening with empathy, and helping clients identify what truly matters to them. I support clients in exploring both the challenges and benefits of change, while encouraging them to find their own motivation and direction. This approach empowers clients to take ownership of their growth and make positive changes at a pace that feels right for them.
The person-centered approach is a type of therapy that focuses on you as the expert of your own life. It is built on the belief that people naturally move toward growth and healing when they feel truly heard, accepted, and understood. The therapist’s role is not to judge or direct, but to provide empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine support so you can explore your feelings and experiences at your own pace. In my practice, I use the person-centered approach by creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. I listen closely and reflect what I hear, so clients feel understood and valued. Instead of telling clients what to do, I walk alongside them, helping them discover their own insights, strengths, and solutions. This allows them to build confidence, self-acceptance, and the ability to make choices that align with who they truly are.