Shatonya Craddock

Compassionate and dedicated LCSW with over 15 years of experience specializing in depression and anxiety symptoms specifically with military and first responder trauma as well as maternal mental health. I am committed to supporting our military through post deployment, reintegration, and livelihood stressors. I support and empower women who have the potential of child birthing deciding if motherhood is the best decision for them, through the fertility process, pregnancy, as well as post partum. My goal is the clients holistic wellbeing. I believe in the profound impact of mental health on the maternal well-being and family homeostasis. My approach is centered on honesty, active listening, client expertise on their body, and building a safe space for you to express yourself without reservation. I am passionate about advocating for maternal mental health awareness, fostering mind body connection, and supporting women through their motherhood journey. I am dedicated to lifelong learning to expand my skills, knowledge and evidence based treatment to meet the client in the most helpful space breeding resilience and trust.

I have worked with military active duty and veterans for more than half of my career. I was raised by two military parents so I understand the unique complexities and lifestyle of the military, child, spouse, and soldiers. I have worked with soldiers and veterans reintegrating with their family and their families while the soldier is away whether in a field activity or overseas. I have been trained and utilized interventions such prolonged exposure, EMDR, cognitive processing therapy, and IFS. I have had promising outcomes and had the pleasure of seeing families remain together and stronger than ever.

Maternal mental health requires an empathetic ear and stance as it relates to advocating, empowering your voice on your bodily decisions, as well as an understanding of mental and physical needs. My belief is mental health should be managed at every stage of choosing to be or not to be a mother. Recognizing that maternal mental health has to have a focus on the woman's mind, body, and spirit connection.

During our first session my goals is to build rapport by assessing your needs utilizing evidenced based assessments such as PHQ-9 or GAD-7 and encouraging vulnerability and honesty. I like to promote authenticity by actively listening to why you decided now is the time to meet your needs, allowing you to get to know me as a provider as well as my style of engagement. My goal will be to create a space that helps to reduce anxiety, understand your goals, and allow us the rapport to create a SMART goal treatment plan together. I will review your intake information to clarify any information and allowing you to expand on information that may have been challenging to express during the intake process. I like to educate on therapeutic interventions, treatment plans, and goals as well as expectations. My goal is to share that time discovering the needs and expectations of you as a whole person. Also a little homework never hurts.