About

Congratulations , Courageous Soul!
You are brave, indeed, to have identified a problematic issue/issues in your life, and then seek assistance to make changes that will move you toward the person you want to be. My name is Shaleia, and it is an honor to be considered as a potential partner on your journey.
I am a Tennessee-based Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Specialist Provider designation (LPC- MHSP) with 7 years’ experience working with trauma, substance abuse, and addiction. Often, co-occurring issues include: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bi-polar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive behaviors, and, of course, relationship challenges.
My experience includes individual and group therapy in residential and outpatient settings of a Community Mental Health Center and a private addiction treatment facility. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic, drawing on a variety of modalities to best serve a client’s needs and goals. The modalities that have proven most useful are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based Therapy, Existential Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Eco Psychology, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Trauma- Focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT). I also have a strong belief in the healing power of Nature.
My therapeutic style is non-judgmental, compassionate, and encouraging heavily engaging in active listening, cognitive redirection, and psycho education. Also, I was born and raised in the south, so I tend to sprinkle in some southern charm into each session.
Finally, I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership requiring mutual trust, respect, honesty, communication, humor and commitment to do the work. Hopefully, what I have shared here will help you select the best fit for a therapist. Should you select me, I look forward to our journey together.