My name is Shawnda Dewberry, LMSW, and I am based in Michigan. With a master's degree in social work from Wayne State University, I have spent the past 10 years honing my skills and expertise in both group practices and private practice settings. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with adults from a broad range of backgrounds, helping them navigate various life challenges and transitions. My passion for helping others "live their best life" has been the driving force behind my work. I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their personal and emotional goals, and my role as a counselor is to facilitate that journey. In my practice, I am committed to partnering with you, providing a supportive and empathetic environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. My approach to counseling is collaborative, focusing on building you up and equipping you with the tools and strategies needed to thrive. Whether you are dealing with issues related to self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I am here to guide you towards a path of self-discovery and growth. By identifying your strengths and developing new coping mechanisms, we can work together to overcome obstacles and create a more fulfilling life. In every session, my goal is to help you be "the best you" every day. I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic space that fosters trust, openness, and resilience. Through our work together, you will gain the confidence and skills necessary to face life's challenges head-on and make positive, lasting changes. Let’s embark on this journey together, empowering you to rediscover your inner strength and redefine your future.

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

In the first session together, we’ll begin with brief introductions to help us get acquainted and set the tone for a comfortable and open dialogue. I will share a bit about my background, experience, and therapeutic approach to give you a sense of what to expect from our sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the process, my methods, or any other concerns you’d like to address upfront. Once introductions are complete, we’ll transition into discussing the specific challenges you’re facing. I’ll invite you to share your story and the reasons that led you to seek counseling. This part of the session is crucial for me to understand your unique situation, and it will be conducted in a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can speak freely. We’ll explore various aspects of your life that you feel are contributing to your current struggles, such as self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, work-related stress, relationship difficulties, or any other concerns. During this discussion, I’ll be actively listening and asking questions to gain a deeper understanding of your experiences and how they impact you. We’ll also delve into how these challenges have been affecting your daily life, your emotional well-being, and your relationships with others. It’s important for me to understand the context and nuances of your situation, as this will help in tailoring our therapeutic approach to your specific needs. After we have a clear picture of the challenges you’re facing, we’ll discuss your expectations and goals for therapy. I’ll ask you what you hope to achieve through our work together and what changes you would like to see in your life. This conversation will help us establish a direction for our sessions and ensure that we are aligned in our objectives. Whether you’re seeking to rebuild your self-esteem, manage your anxiety, improve your relationships, or find better stress management techniques, defining these goals will provide a roadmap for our therapeutic journey. Based on the information gathered during our conversation, I’ll begin to outline a tailored plan for our follow-up sessions. This plan will include specific therapeutic approaches and techniques that are suited to your needs and goals. For example, if you’re struggling with negative thought patterns, we might incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you challenge and reframe those thoughts. If managing stress is a priority, we could

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

Over the past 10 years as a therapist, I bring a range of expert strengths to guide and empower clients towards meaningful change and growth: Firstly, I excel in active listening, cultivating an environment where clients feel heard and validated. This foundational skill allows for a thorough exploration of their experiences and challenges, paving the way for deeper insights and understanding. I am adept at asking probing questions that delve beneath the surface, uncovering core issues and patterns of thought or behavior that may be hindering progress. This strategic inquiry helps to illuminate pathways towards resolution and personal development. Integrating homework assignments and interactive sessions is a cornerstone of my approach. By assigning actionable tasks and facilitating engaging sessions, I empower clients to implement positive changes in their daily lives. This proactive approach fosters accountability and reinforces therapeutic insights beyond our sessions. Moreover, I possess a keen ability to guide clients in identifying their strengths and inherent capabilities. By highlighting these assets, I empower clients to leverage their resources effectively, fostering resilience and confidence in tackling challenges. I have developed a systematic methodology, using a eclectic approach for therapy. This method involves collaboratively identifying the root causes of challenges and creating personalized, goal-oriented plans. These plans are structured to achieve measurable progress and empower clients to attain their desired outcomes. Building rapport is paramount in my practice. I establish a warm, empathetic connection that facilitates trust and openness. This relational foundation enables clients to comfortably express themselves and engage in transformative work towards achieving their goals. Furthermore, I specialize in helping clients find their vision and value in making meaningful changes in their lives. By exploring their motivations and aspirations, I assist clients in clarifying their goals and cultivating a sense of purpose in their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. In summary, my approach combines attentive listening, strategic questioning, proactive engagement through homework assignments and interactive sessions, strength-based guidance, systematic methodology, rapport-building skills, and a focus on client vision and values. These strengths collectively empower clients to overcome challenges, achieve measurable p

About Shawnda Dewberry