Expert Care, Heartfelt Support - Changing Lives Everyday
I’m Shawnda Burns, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addiction Professional with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. My journey in this field is not just a profession; it's a personal commitment to helping individuals and families navigate their toughest challenges.
Philosophy and Approach
I believe that psychotherapy is about change and making yourself a priority. Life can become overwhelming and out of control. We become anxious and depressed about poor health, destructive relationships, losses, trauma, and endless disappointments. When you hear yourself say, “I don’t want to live this way any longer," you are ready to take your life back. Taking the first step towards getting help is often the most difficult. We are often thrown curveballs in life, and we need to learn how to accept life on life’s terms and at the same time maintain a sense of control and happiness.
I focus on the importance of valuing yourself, forgiving yourself for not being perfect, and most importantly, knowing that you are deserving. With a greater sense of self-worth, you will successfully pursue the things you need and want—relationships, work, education, etc.
As a clinician, my philosophy emphasizes the importance of the client/counselor relationship in ensuring the success of treatment.
As a therapist, my main focus is to help individuals, parents, and adolescents gain insight into themselves as well as their problems. My approach to counseling is compassionate, with the use of empowerment, personal strengths, insight, and humor to assist the client in addressing challenging issues and making positive life choices. My strength is in creating a non-judgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable without the fear of blame or stigma.
Areas of Specialty
Adolescent Issues (14+)
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Substance Abuse
Anxiety
Depression
CBT Therapy
Diabetes Family Support
College students (or high school students transitioning to college)
Personalized Care
Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, health concerns, troubled relationships, losses, trauma, or endless disappointments, my approach is to help you prioritize yourself and initiate change. I understand that taking the first step towards help is often the hardest. But when you find yourself thinking, “I don’t want to live this way any longer,” know that you're ready to reclaim control over your life.
As a counselor, my areas of expertise are diverse, including addiction, substance abuse, family conflict, and more. Each client's journey is unique, and my role is to guide you through these complexities with expertise, care, and a deep understanding of the human experience.
Together, we will work towards understanding, healing, and ultimately reclaiming the joy and balance in your life. Let’s get started on this journey together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the interconnectedness of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. At its core, CBT operates on the premise that our perceptions and interpretations of events, rather than the events themselves, largely determine our emotional and behavioral responses.
The Core Principle: The Cognitive Triad
CBT highlights what's often referred to as the "cognitive triad" – the dynamic interplay between:
- Thoughts (Cognitions): What we think, our beliefs, interpretations, and self-talk.
- Feelings (Emotions): How we feel emotionally, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, or joy.
- Behaviors: What we do, our actions, reactions, and coping mechanisms.
For example, if you interpret a missed promotion as a sign of your own inadequacy (thought), you might feel discouraged and demotivated (feeling), and consequently withdraw from new opportunities (behavior). CBT helps you recognize how these elements influence each other in a continuous loop.
How CBT Works in Practice
CBT is a collaborative and skills-based approach. During sessions, you and your therapist will work together to:
- Identify Maladaptive Thought Patterns: This involves becoming aware of automatic thoughts, core beliefs, and cognitive distortions (e.g., "all-or-nothing" thinking, catastrophizing, overgeneralization) that contribute to distress.
- Challenge and Restructure Thoughts: You'll learn techniques to critically evaluate the validity and helpfulness of these thoughts. The goal isn't to replace negative thoughts with overly positive ones, but rather to develop more balanced, realistic, and adaptive perspectives.
- Develop Behavioral Strategies: CBT often incorporates behavioral interventions. This might involve gradually confronting feared situations (exposure therapy), practicing new coping skills, engaging in activities that promote well-being (behavioral activation), or improving problem-solving abilities.
- Learn Practical Coping Skills: You'll acquire concrete tools and strategies to manage difficult emotions, reduce stress, improve communication, and make more effective decisions in various life situations. These skills are designed to be applied in your daily life, fostering self-reliance and resilience.
Key Characteristics of CBT:
- Goal-Oriented and Problem-Focused: CBT is typically structured around specific goals and aims to address current problems rather than extensively delving into past experiences.
- Time-Limited: While the duration varies based on individual needs, CBT is often considered a relatively short-term therapy compared to some other modalities.
- Educational: A significant component of CBT involves psychoeducation, where you learn about the models and principles behind your difficulties, empowering you to become your own therapist over time.
- Empirical Evidence: CBT is one of the most extensively researched psychotherapies and has demonstrated effectiveness for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders, among others.
By understanding and actively working with the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT empowers you to develop healthier patterns and navigate life's challenges more effectively.