Shea Stevens (she/her)

I work particularly with family of origin issues, that are contributing to client stress. Clients who are looking to find more inner peace. There are times when you need to carve out a space to slow down; to sort through your thoughts and feelings with someone who truly sees and supports you. You are ready to give yourself the care you’ve been needing. Facing your past and working through it is a courageous choice to honor and care for yourself.

I work with adult clients who have experienced chronic invalidation, shame, criticism, and/or lack of acceptance from family growing up. Families who exhibit tendencies of a personality disorder, narcissistic tendencies, or who are emotionally immature, may fail to make their child feel seen, heard, and valued. Some children have grown up to feel that emotional volatility, tension, and poor communication skills in their home life are the norm.

I work with clients who are in recovery from religious trauma or harm, and those who deconstructed or are questioning previous beliefs; including changes in spirituality/religious belief, changes in morality, worldviews, taking new pride in their identity such as body positivity, fat positivity or pride in being lgbtq+. With deconstructing comes rebuilding new beliefs and values. It's my privilege to be a support to folks in this population.

Gestalt is my foundational theory that aligns with my views of human nature and counseling. I lean to the side of relational, nondirective gestalt therapy that utilizes dialogue and talk, rather than the popularized gestalt techniques. I am a gestalt nerd and love counseling gestalt therapists.

I am generally humanistic in my theoretical alignment. I believe that the client will naturally bring up and integrate the work that is most important for them to do, and my role is to be a support system, someone who listens and hears them, and holds space.

In my time as a counselor I have become only more convinced that the root of many- maybe most- of people's presenting concerns in therapy are the result of systems of oppression. I believe that white supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism and colonialism are inextricably linked to stress, trauma, anxiety and depression. I believe that one's environment (society, culture, systems big and small, etc) plays a huge role in a person's mental health.

Clients of all beliefs are welcome, but I have lived experience of being an ex-Catholic for those who may want someone who can relate to their experience. I specialize with clients who have gone through faith transition or are questioning their spirituality or religious identity.