New to Grow
I’m Shaakir Solomon, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families. I offer a calm, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as you are—no pressure to have everything figured out. My approach is trauma-informed, practical, and collaborative. Together, we’ll work on building emotional insight, strengthening coping skills, improving communication, and breaking patterns that may be keeping you stuck. I aim to make therapy feel supportive, real, and useful in your everyday life. Clients often describe me as steady, easy to talk to, and supportive while still being honest and direct when needed. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood, family conflict, past trauma, or major life transitions, my goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and for you to feel out whether this feels like a good fit. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what’s been weighing on you lately, and what you hope might change. You’re in control of the pace—there’s no pressure to share everything at once. I’ll ask some gentle questions to understand your background, current stressors, supports, and goals. Together, we’ll begin to identify what feels most important to focus on first. I’ll also explain how I work, answer any questions you have about therapy, confidentiality, or next steps, and collaborate with you on an initial plan that feels realistic and supportive. Most people leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and a bit clearer about what they want help with—even if they came in feeling unsure. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, respected, and supported from the very first conversation.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths is creating a calm, nonjudgmental space where people feel safe being honest—even about things they’ve never said out loud. I’m steady, consistent, and supportive, while also offering gentle, direct feedback when it can help move you forward. With over 10 years of experience across outpatient, community-based, and youth/family settings, I’m comfortable working with complex emotional needs, family dynamics, and the impact of trauma. My work is trauma-informed and practical, focused on building real-life coping skills, emotional awareness, and healthier patterns in relationships. What sets my approach apart is the balance between compassion and accountability. I don’t believe in just “venting” without direction. We’ll work together to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and translate insight into meaningful, sustainable change you can actually use in your daily life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
You might feel overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or tired of carrying everything on your own. Maybe you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, mood changes, family conflict, or past experiences that still affect you today. You don’t need to know exactly what’s “wrong.” You just know something isn’t working anymore—and you’re ready for support. You value a therapist who listens, doesn’t judge, and helps you build real-life skills you can actually use outside of sessions. You may be a teen navigating big emotions, a parent feeling stretched thin, or an adult wanting healthier relationships and better emotional balance. If you’re open to self-reflection, growth, and learning new ways to cope—even when it feels uncomfortable at times—you’re likely a great fit for my style of therapy.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Over 10 years of experience using DBT in both individual, family and group therapy. Coaching adults and teenagers on how to effectively use each module in their daily lives - combining cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices and distress tolerance strategies.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Over 10 years of experience using CBT to assist clients in managing their struggles (eg. anxiety, depression, PTSD) and difficulties in life by changing the way they think and behave in their environment. Focusing mainly on how feelings and thoughts affect those behaviors - identifying triggers and improving functioning.
Motivational Interviewing
Over 10 years of experience using various motivational interviewing techniques to incite change in both teenagers and adults. Assisting clients in overcoming fear and ambivalence in order for them to focus on their goals and supporting them in eventually achieving those goals.