Shawna approaches counselling with warmth and acceptance, creating a judgment-free space where clients feel safe to explore whatever they bring to the table. She believes strongly that each individual is the expert of their own life. As a result, therapy with Shawna is a collaborative process, focusing on what clients have found to work—or not work—in their lives and guiding them towards health and wellness based on those insights.
While Shawna works with a diverse range of clients, she has a particular passion for supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. She has specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and has dedicated much of her education to understanding trauma and its effects on the brain.
In addition, Shawna has extensive training in working with couples, employing techniques from the Gottman Method, Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy, and Attachment Theory. These approaches foster empathy, understanding, and improved communication between partners. By integrating research-based tools, Shawna helps couples shift from focusing on “who started it” to “how can we grow through it,” equipping them with new skills to express their needs and desires within the relationship.
Drawing on techniques from various therapeutic models, Shawna tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. She believes that therapy should never involve a one-size-fits-all method and is committed to developing personalized treatment plans that empower clients to achieve their goals and overall well-being.
Shawna is offering both virtual and in-person appointments from Acacia’s Vic West clinic, book in now for a complementary 15-minute meet & greet to see if you would like to work with Shawna.
