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  • About Shemya Vaughn

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    My Mission

    I specialize in working with people who are in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community and because these are the primary populations I serve; I aim to decolonize therapy so that it benefits people with diverse cultural needs.

    I’m affirming of whatever sexual and gender identity that makes you who you are. In collaboration with you, I celebrate who you are and what you add to this world, your uniqueness.

    Together, we can work together to help you thrive despite your anxiety, to help you connect with others while living with depression symptoms, and how to love yourself after experiencing trauma.

    My main approach is to be supportive, validate your lived experience, provide you with honest feedback, and help you explore your options as you heal.

    My passion is working with clients going through a transition, clients who are on a healing journey, and clients trying to find a new path forward. If this is you, I would be honored to help you find the right path on your journey.

    You do not have to just survive; you can learn to thrive.

    Are you ready to take the first step?

    My Values

    Confidentiality

    What we discuss in your therapy sessions stays between us. 

    Creativity

    To de-colonize therapy, there are times when I might recommend or suggest treatment or activities that are specific to your creative interests.

    Compassion

    Empathy is being able to emotionally understand another person's perspective. Compassion is having an open heart and an open mind. In our sessions together, you will experience both empathy and compassion. 

    Acceptance

    This is a non-judgmental, affirming therapy practice. You are unconditionally accepted and celebrated just as you are. This is a safe place. You are safe here.

    My Story

    In 1975 I was born in East Saint Louis, Illinois to teen parents. In my junior year in college, I, too, became a teen parent at 19. I was overwhelmed with parenting an infant, attending college, and working full-time so I sought help through the counseling center on campus. After working with a counselor with whom I did not connect, I sought assistance from another therapist with whom I could connect and trust. It was during my sessions with the second therapist that I felt safe enough to reveal that I had been molested and raped from age 5 to age 17.

    Through my work with this counselor, I was able to understand that I had repressed my childhood sexual trauma. The therapist described the mind-body disconnection I often experienced, the rage that would bubble up over the tiniest infraction, the antagonistic way I moved in every romantic relationship, and the parenting approach of being overprotective as trauma responses. All the shame and guilt that accompanies surviving childhood sexual abuse was explained to me as normal responses to experiencing trauma as a child. 

    The therapist told me that I was living with symptoms of complex PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. Having a mental health professional explain that my maladaptive coping skills were trauma responses helped me make different choices as a parent and inspired my career choice. As a mental health professional, I am dedicated to helping individuals have healthier families, healthier relationships, and engage in healthy parenting practices. I am honored to be a part of a profession that helps people heal and make choices that help them experience more joy and inner peace.

    Reach out to me today!

    Please complete the form below to schedule an appointment.
    I will try my best to accommodate your request and will be in touch ASAP.

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