Meet Shallima
My Approach
Therapy can be a fantastic journey of discovery. I recognize the challenges life brings and can meet you wherever you find yourself today. I offer a safe environment for you to express your feelings and to begin to narrate your story. I look forward to building a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel encouraged, supported, and heard without judgment.
My person-centered approach dictates that you will be at the center of our work, the expert in your own life. I can facilitate your ability to gain insight from your thoughts and experiences as I listen. Your words will guide us while I actively engage with an empathetic ear, encouragement, and support. I bring curiosity to our sessions and am excited to walk alongside you as you embark on self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.
My personal life experiences and professional work has taught me to face life with positivity and hope. I have seen the power of self-confidence and the peace that comes from self acceptance and kindness. Congratulations on already taking the first step toward a better future, don’t give up now. You can do it!
Experience
- Anxiety
- Career Counseling
- Depression
- Domestic Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Homelessness
- Life Transitions
- Multicultural Issues
- Peer Relationships
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem
- Women's Issues
Types of Therapy/Approach
Person Centered
CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Experience In The Field
Mental Health Counseling Intern
- Provide therapy to individuals who seek mental health counseling
- Consult with prospective clients who are seeking therapy to determine if they would benefit therapy
In Home Counselor - CPST Provider
- Provide in-person services to children and their families in their homes and communities to help improve child’s functioning and management of behaviors and symptoms
In Home Mental Health Support Specialist
- worked with clients towards achieving age appropriate developmental tasks and developing specific social skills necessary for acceptable social interactions (including activities that may support areas such as completing schoolwork, being part of a team, handling money, activities of daily living, independent living skills and in accessing vocational skills training)
Residential Housing Counselor
- Assisted residents in developing meaningful service plan goals and provide supports to assist residents in achieving their goals
- Monitored, trained and assisted (hands-on, when needed) residents in all programs in household maintenance activities to ensure a clean, safe and homelike environment
- Met with residents for counseling and to establish and review service plan goals
Assistant Program Supervisor
- Monitored, trained and assisted service providers progress with their clients, treatment plan writing and note writing
- Conducted monthly supervisions with providers
Case Manager Supervisor
- Support clients through crisis by utilizing crisis intervention methods including therapeutic approaches to help de-escalate challenging situations
- Advocate for clients' immediate and long term needs in an effort to promote the mental health well being of the clients in addition to helping them find the resources to alleviate their economic, social and physical disadvantages
Academic Training
Baruch College
B.B.A. Operations Management, September 2001
Queens College
B.A. Psychology, September 2007
Long Island University
M.S.Ed. School Counseling, May 2009
Capella University
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (pending)
Background/Previous Experience
Administrative Assistant
- Worked in various fields supporting executives in carrying out administrative duties in an effort to provide support in carrying out responsibilities to ensure that the daily functions of the department were carried out in an efficient and timely manner
School Secretary
- Worked in inner city public schools providing support in a payroll, human resources, pupil accounting, and purchasing functions
- Participated in a mentorship program through the school in an effort to help students who were in danger of failing
Memberships
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Languages Spoken
English
