Shawnté Bennett, MA, LMFT
Associate Therapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Contact Info:
shawnte@empoweredconnectionscounseling.com
312-7672057 ext.7
Education: Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University
I work with:
Individuals of all ages
Children
Families
Relationships
Specialties: I specialize in helping clients with increasing love of self and interrupting people-pleasing behaviors.
Modalities: I am an integrated and blended person leaning more towards esoteric but practical meaning of life experiences. Therefore, I utilize a combination of systemic, strengths-based, person-centered approaches such as Mindfulness, Solution-Focused, CBT, DBT, IFS, Emotional Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy, and I apply them holistically. These approaches along with my own life experiences allow me to meet the person where they are and provide the tools needed to promote growth and change.
Personal bio: As I experience all of the shifts life has to offer, I have developed more of an understanding of the value held in considering others and my own mindset. Problems, uncertainty, and challenges are not going away; they are always going to be in our lives. The thought that things must always be set in stone is an illusion from the start. However, if we change our mindset, those same problems, uncertainty, and challenges may change into growth moments without limitations or limiting beliefs. We can then focus on solutions and are left feeling empowered to create change. I am excited to go on the journey with you!
I have gained clinical experience in a variety of settings, including milieu environments and community mental health. I consider myself the therapist for People Pleasers. However, I have also enjoyed working with individuals, couples, families, and children experiencing anxiety, depression, miscommunication, transitions, work/life balance, grief, personality disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, behavior disorders, religion/spirituality, LGBTQIA+ identity, self-esteem, foster care/adoption, history of traumatic events, and suicidal ideation.
Prior to attending graduate school, I utilized my entrepreneur hat and launched a home-based fashion design business after receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. In my spare time I enjoy being a creative; as well as reading, writing, nature, and collecting gemstones. I also love making desserts; cakes, cookies and strawberry shortcake cheesecake are my specialties.
During our initial sessions, you can expect… We’ll get to know each other and explore what your best hopes are for our work together. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic space for your thoughts, feelings, and ideas through supportive dialogue. I also enjoy empowering and being the client’s cheerleader as together we go on the journey of self-exploration and transformation. I look forward to working with you to assist you in identifying that you are your own hero, and you hold the power and tools needed to help achieve your goals.