Shannel Hawkins, LPCC

My personal philosophy of counseling begins and ends with grace and a willingness to enter into an individual's experience alongside them. I entered this field because I feel that I have an authentic listening heart that desires to see people live as whole, healthy individuals.

I believe that counseling is a pathway for growth and healing. It is an opportunity for the client to explore his or her own thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental, unbiased safe environment. It also provides a setting that encourages the client in establishing new, healthy patterns of behavior. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

As a counselor, I desire to encourage the client to draw their own conclusions and choose the direction they want to take in resolving their issues. As a team, we can then set realistic goals in order to achieve the desired outcome.

Overall, my philosophy as a therapist is to treat each person as a unique individual, worthy of unconditional acceptance, regardless of his or her personal circumstances or struggles. It is my desire to come alongside, challenge, and encourage my clients to find healing emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.