Shawnda Young

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LISW‐CP) with more than 16 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, families, and high‐stress professionals. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina with a concentration in Individuals, Families, and Groups. I later completed a Play Therapist Training Program at Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia, and I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT‐S).

My career has been rooted in service, leadership, trauma informed care and crisis‐responsive care. Across these roles, I’ve provided therapy, crisis intervention, diagnostic assessments, supervision, and program oversight. I’ve supported individuals navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, burnout, family conflict, trauma histories, and major life transitions.

My background allows me to understand both the clinical and human sides of stress, trauma, and resilience.

My therapeutic style is collaborative, grounded, and practical. I blend:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Solution‐Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Trauma‐informed care
• Mindfulness and grounding strategies
• Strengths‐based and relational approaches
• Play therapy Approaches (Youth and Adolescents)

I believe therapy should help you understand your patterns, but also give you tools you can use immediately. My approach is structured enough to help you make progress, but flexible enough to meet you where you are.

Clients can expect:

• A focus on thought patterns, internal dialogue, and emotional regulation
• Support in building boundaries, reducing burnout, and managing stress
• Space to process trauma safely and at your pace
• Practical strategies for navigating work, relationships, and family dynamics
• A therapist who is direct, compassionate, and deeply invested in your growth

Your first session with me is a conversation—not an interrogation. You can expect:

• A warm, welcoming space to share what brings you in
• Questions about your history, current stressors, and what you want to change
• Exploration of your strengths, values, and what’s already working
• Discussion of patterns you’ve noticed in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships
• A collaborative plan for what therapy will look like moving forward