Hi my name is Shamla McLaurin and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Delaware and Pennsylvania. My goal as a therapist has always been to partner with people, help them navigate the challenges of life, and inspire hope in such a way that the result is that individual living their best life! I completed my education with a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and have over 20 years of experience in the field of behavioral and mental health counseling. I've worked in a variety of clinical settings with varying populations across the lifespan. In addition to providing psychotherapy, I've also spent many years working as a case manager, consultant, educator, and administrator in the field. My approach to counseling is grounded in my background with Marriage and Family Therapy and analyzing the dynamics that impact our decisions, whether they be present or past. I tend to incorporate aspects of a variety of approaches to treatment I have utilized and learned over the years. In recent years my work has primarily included aspects of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems therapy, and solution-focused therapy with an emphasis on strengths and client-focused treatment.
My goal as a clinician is to create an atmosphere in which every client feels seen and heard; feels they are respected and not judged; and believes there is hope for the outcome they desire in whatever the situation they are currently facing. My style is very open and direct, as I believe that facilitates the most meaningful dialogue. However, just as each client is unique and so are their challenges, I don't believe that one style fits all and therefore I try to tailor my approach to the needs of the client.
I applaud you for taking the step to seek counseling and I challenge you to stick with it, even when it feels challenging to do so. It's often in those moments where we grow the most. Becoming the best version of ourselves may not always be easy but I can promise you it is always worth it! I look forward to our time together.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, Coaching, Communication problems, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Multicultural Concerns, Prejudice and Discrimination, Women's issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
PA LPC PC012510