New to Grow
Hi, I’m Dr. Shonae Mills, and I’m really glad you’re here. I originally went to school planning to go into medicine because I’ve always wanted to help people, but along the way I realized my heart was truly in counseling. I’ve always loved working with people and learning new things about others and myself, so when I had the opportunity to choose my path, I chose therapy—and I’ve never looked back. I earned my degree over 25 years ago and have been licensed in mental health for more than 20 years. My personal motto is, “How can I help?” and that question guides my work each day. My approach is collaborative and supportive, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help you build practical skills, focus on strengths, and feel empowered to create meaningful change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is a chance for us to get to know one another and begin building a foundation of trust. We’ll talk about what brings you in, what you’d like to see change, and any important background that helps me understand your story. I’ll also explain how I work, answer any questions you may have, and collaborate with you to begin identifying goals and next steps. Most importantly, it’s a space for you to feel heard, supported, and comfortable moving forward at a pace that feels right for you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What makes me a unique therapist is that I bring both experience and genuine curiosity to every session. With over 25 years in the field, I’ve learned that while everyone’s story is different, we all share common human experiences—struggles, growth, and the desire to be understood. I connect with my clients on that human common ground, meeting them with empathy, authenticity, and a focus on their strengths, so we can work together to explore challenges, embrace growth, and create meaningful, lasting change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is someone who is ready for change—even if they’re unsure where to begin—and is willing to go to the hard places in order to better understand themselves. I work best with individuals who are open to growth, learning new skills, and examining their thoughts and behaviors through CBT, Solution-Focused strategies, and Motivational Interviewing. I value clients who are willing to lean into the process, build on their strengths, and partner together in creating meaningful, lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because I value giving clients practical tools they can use in their everyday lives. I appreciate how CBT helps people better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so they can create meaningful, lasting change.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing because I believe lasting change happens when clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make their own decisions. This approach allows me to support clients in exploring their ambivalence, strengthening their intrinsic motivation, and building confidence in their ability to create meaningful change.