Shawna Boomgaard

ABOUT ME Hello! My name is Shawna and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Advanced Certified Trauma Practitioner with over fifteen years of experience providing therapy services. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings including: educational settings, intensive outpatient care, managing a private practice and organizations. I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and relationship challenges from individual, group and family work. Originally from Seattle, I moved to Detroit, MI to continue my education and raise a family. I received my graduate degree in Clinical Social Work at Wayne State University in Detroit and my Educational Specialist post-graduate degree in Educational Leadership at Oakland University where I am currently a student in the PhD. program. My approach to therapy is client centered: clients are the experts on their lives and determine the direction and depth of therapy. Through a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens, I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom. Outside of my work as a therapist, I practice mindfulness to help me maintain balance. I also enjoy reading, biking and spending time with my family and pets traveling. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Addictions , LGBT , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , ADHD Years of Experience: 15