New to Grow
Hello, I am Shana Toney, a Licensed Professional Counselor. Over my lifetime I have always worked in human services. It was gratifying to work with clients in their time of need and support them through the process. Many of the clients would say they felt comfortable talking to me and I listened to their needs. Those years of serving the community led me to become a therapist. Once I became a therapist 8 years ago, I found my passion. I love having the opportunity and freedom to work with clients, helping them figure things out, learn to create change in their lives and coping with situations they have no control over. Change is not easy but possible. My role as a therapist is to walk with clients to help create their change and happiness they desire.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session, we will focus on information gathering. This involves understanding your current challenges, personal history, and the goals you wish to achieve through therapy. It is an opportunity for us to establish a connection and ensure that you feel comfortable and understood. Together, we will develop a treatment plan to meet your needs that will changes over time as needs change.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach is transparent and guiding, I listen with my ears and as well with my eyes. I work to create a therapeutic and trusting environment. I encourage the client to feel comfortable in sharing know that they will not be judged. We all need that place where we can feel accepted. At times therapy can feel challenging when we have to address situations and issues that clients had been avoiding. With care and compassion, I encourage the client as they walk through the challenge as they transform their lives. My practice is unique because I have worked with individuals on probation, those involved with Child Protective Services, those in mental health crises, and those in prison. This diverse experience has equipped me with the skills and empathy needed to address a wide range of issues and to understand the complex dynamics at play in each client's life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is someone who is ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. They may be dealing with challenging emotions, such as depression or anxiety, or grappling with low self-esteem and past traumatic events. They are open to exploring their thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental space.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve emotional regulation and mental well-being. CBT is the foundation therapy model I use to help clients understand a lot of our distress starts with our thinking. In session I guide the client through the application of CBT to help them better understand their thoughts, feelings and behavior of a given situation. The use of CBT tools and coping strategies can be used outside of session in practice. In session we will review the effectiveness of the coping strategy or the experiment using the selected CBT tool.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another form of cognitive behavioral therapy that fosters psychological flexibility by helping individuals accept difficult emotions rather than fighting them. Working with clients utilizing ACT we explore the six core processes of ACT. The goal is not to focus on symptoms reduction but creating a richer, more meaningful life. This component of ACT helps individuals on their personal journey of change and growth.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning to reduce psychological distress. Many clients have current and past relationship issues and are connected to the development of mood disorders. In session we will explore how the various relationships are currently affecting the client’s functioning. We will collaborate to identity techniques that will help the client decrease the symptoms and improve their functioning.