Shawndrika Latrice Cook LPC

When it comes to counseling the number one question a client has after the initial consultation is, “how do I resolve the issue(s)”? I think this question is the place where responsibility and accountability are placed in the hands of the client to create what they are willing to handle when it comes to answering that question. Therapy goals with clients are always set by the client with the influence of therapeutic perspectives and outcomes. In other words, the client decides what goals they feel comfortable working on while I, as the therapist create challenges during the conversation to take those goals to the next level and create uncomfortable moments through conversation that reveal growth, brokenness, and in the end a plan of action that produces a resolution.

I am a person who loves to see people live and operate in their full potential and purpose. I love supporting others as they process their issues, seek moments of clarity, and find out what they want through their expectations and experiences in a healthy manner. Having this kind of personality allows me to be genuine and organic in my counseling approach and allows my client to understand that being a therapist is who I am and not a job that I take on. Some people get to say they work a job that is just naturally who they are in real life. I am those people. Being a therapist is who I am and it makes it easy for me to help clients see therapy in a positive light.

I think the most exciting thing about the evolving mental health landscape is the fact that during the pandemic the profession grew from being at the bottom of the professional list to the to. We went from being unrecognized to being a force that the world demanded to see and become more aware of. It created happiness in my heart when I saw that black therapists like me take advantage of the moment and offer free counseling to our community and create spaces where people could become more educated about mental health and how to use it and when to seek out counseling/therapy.

• Alabama, Licensed Professional Counselor, 3830

I have been doing therapy for 10 years. I have worked with children, college students, couples, and individuals. I love helping people deal with their anxiety and depression through a teammate approach. I have a passion and hard in helping people think and evaluate through the process of grief and loss. I also believe in the use of spirituality when it comes to counseling.