Shawnese Givens, LMFT
pronouns: she|her|hers
Shawnese Givens joined Collaborative Insight Counseling Associates (CICA) as the practice’s Clinical Director as well as a practicing psychotherapist in February 2022. Today, Shawnese continues to serve as an integral member of CICA’s Senior Leadership team as its Clinical Director, while having stepped away from her client-facing role at the practice to assume the Executive Director role at JRI Health.
Shawnese has been in practice as a Marriage & Family Therapist since 2009. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Syracuse University and trained in the Psychotherapy Center for Gender & Sexuality at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. As someone who identifies as a QWOC, feminist, and social justice advocate, Shawnese is passionate about working to restore wholeness and health within black, brown, and queer communities.
““As a clinician specializing in LGBTQ concerns, it’s my mission and expertise to provide a space where healing and self-love can emerge.””
Shawnese’s work is grounded in Systems Theory, and is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. She is an integrative practitioner who utilizes techniques from various theories including Feminist, Psychodynamic, Attachment, Narrative, and Bowenian theories.
Shawnese’s expertise allows her to work with clients experiencing a variety of concerns including gender identity exploration, trauma, anxiety, depression, and family and relationship issues. In addition to her work with diverse couples and individuals, Shawnese has worked as a family therapist with youth within the New York State PINS system, as a substance abuse counselor, and as a leader in various capacities.
Shawnese has been a Clinical Supervisor since 2013 and considers mentoring clinicians as they develop their clinical voice and style to be an honor. As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, she values both professional and personal growth and utilizes the Self of the Therapist Model in her work with supervisees. She appreciates ongoing supervision, despite her many years of independent licensure, which allows her to confer with her peers to work through cases where she may be stuck or seeking a new perspective, as well as explore the inherent counter-transference that occurs in the clinical relationship.
Shawnese earned a B.A. in Psychology from Adelphi University, and soon thereafter, her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University. She regularly attends seminars and workshops focused on addressing LGBTQ+ & POC issues, helping her keep abreast of clinical best practices. Her keen interest in I/O Psych-informed seminars also helps shape her understanding of systems design, and hone her skills in operations management. In addition to her bustling portfolio of work at CICA and JRI Health, Shawnese also maintains a limited caseload in her individual private practice.
Fun Fact: Shawnese is a Ravenclaw who loves period dramas, writing poetry, and wearing anything pink.
NEW CLIENTS
SHAWNESE IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT CICA
Please click here to learn more about Shawnese on Psychology Today
Please click here to visit Shawnese’s solo practice profile
PREVIOUS/RETURNING CLIENTS
Shawnese is no longer accepting new clients at CICA. Please click here to request an appointment with other CICA clinician(s) with current availability.
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