Shahna Duerksen

My communication style

I hope that making you feel seen, heard, and validated will be the first step in your healing journey. I am warm, hospitable, easy-going, use humor and gentle prodding when needed, and have been known to throw in some Southern sayings along the way.

My journey to mental healthcare

I value having trusted people in my life who listen with undivided attention, see me, and validate my feelings. That is powerful, transformative, and healing. I was attracted to a career as a therapist because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of people who were hurting emotionally and mentally.

My goals for you

My goal is that you will feel supported and safe. In collaboration with you, I ask what top goals you have for pursuing therapy and then we set small, manageable, reachable steps together. I seek to help move you from intention into making a plan that results in behavioral action.

Our first session

In my first session with first-time clients, the goal is rapport building, information gathering, and giving an orientation to what therapy is. I'll ask questions about your presenting concerns, current symptoms, what brings you to therapy now, gather your history, and ask what your therapy goals are.

I identify as...

• Female
• Caucasian or White