Shawna West, LPC, RPT™, NCC, ASDI, C-CAT
(She/Her/Hers)
Currently under the clinical supervision of Dr. Cristine Norton LCSW-S, C-CAT
3-8 Years | 9-12 Years | 13-18 Years | Family | THERAPEUTIC ROCK CLIMBING
Shawna West (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC), a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Autism-Informed Professional (ASDI), and is working towards her Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist (C-CAT) credential. Shawna received her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University (CACREP Accredited Program) and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas in Comparative Literature and Women and Gender Studies.
Prior to her move to Ensemble Therapy, Shawna spent fourteen years working with children of all ages in elementary and secondary public education. She worked for twelve years as a Dyslexia Specialist and two years as a professional school counselor focusing on community outreach, student advocacy, and social and emotional wellness. As a second year school counselor, she was a nominee for the AISD School Counselor of The Year, and was a recipient of the Texas Counseling Association’s CREST Award for excellence in school counseling.
Shawna utilizes challenge based therapy and expressive modalities such as sand tray, art, and Child Centered Play Therapy to help children communicate in the way that they are most comfortable. She believes that expression, exploration, and freedom are essential in helping the child find their voice in a safe, non-judgmental environment. She believes in building relationships, practicing compassion and fostering the family connection to help empower her clients and to provide them with the tools that they need to become more self-sufficient and ready to meet the challenges ahead.
Shawna is originally from North Texas but migrated down South to Austin in 2005. She loves to rock climb, garden, sew, paddle board with her spouse, and cuddle with her kitties (Big Fred, China Cat Sunflower, and Baby Tuna). She also loves to spend an occasional weekend at The Phoenix Center where she volunteers as a ropes course facilitator for children and families who have experienced trauma.
SHAWNA IS PARTICULARLY WELL-SUITED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES:
With children ages 3-10 who need support for social skills development, empathy, stress, changing families, grief and loss, ADD, and sensory issues.
With tweens and teens who are experiencing low self-esteem, ADD, friendship issues, anxiety, changing families, and grief and loss.
Who want to explore the benefits of a therapist that is gender and LGBTQIA+ affirming, anti-racist, and inclusive of non-neurotypical individuals.
SHAWNA WORKS AT OUR BERKMAN AND SPICEWOOD OFFICE LOCATIONS AND OFFERS VIRTUAL AND WALK & TALK SESSIONS. ALL SESSIONS ARE 45 MINUTES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. HER RATES ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Individual Session $190
Initial Consult, Parent Consult, Parent Coaching $215
Family Session $225
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
ADHD
Anger Management
Anxiety
Autism
Behavioral Issues
Coping Skills
Developmental Disorders
Emotional Disturbance
Grief
Learning Disabilities
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Stress
Suicidal Ideation
SHAWNA’S FAVORITES:
Favorite board game: Clue
Favorite ice cream flavor: Peppermint
Favorite animal: Sloth
Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Goblins
Favorite color: Red
Favorite place in Austin: Jessica Hollis Park - It has THE COLDEST water in all of Travis County!
Favorite holiday: Halloween
I feel happiest when: I’m paddle boarding or just swimming in the sun.
If I had a superpower it would be: Time travel
Place I feel most safe/calm/comfortable: Laying in my hammock in the backyard.
READ MORE ABOUT SHAWNA’S PASSION:
Shawna West has been an active rock climber for 20+ years, and considers herself a lifetime beneficiary of the therapeutic properties of climbing.