Shahna Duerksen

Have you heard the phrase "you can't pour from an empty cup?" Welcome here. My name is Shahna Duerksen and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who provides therapy to "WOMEN ONLY" who are 18 years and older. I realize what a big step it might have been for you to reach out for support. You're in the right place to begin your self-development and healing journey. Continue reading to find out about the cup.

My approach

My approach is welcoming, personable, supportive, client-centered and somewhat eclectic pulling from different treatment modalities (Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, Strengths-based, Existential, Cognitive Behavioral) depending on the client and their needs.

My focus

My focus is on Women's issues. I offer in-person or tele-health individual psychotherapy appointments to WOMEN ONLY, 18 years and older. (At times I may offer a limited number of scheduling openings for "in-person only" Couples/marriage/relationship counseling on a case-by-case situation. Reach out to me for a brief consultation to see if I have availability). Have you heard the phrase "you can't pour from an empty cup?" Women often experience feeling overwhelmed with life because of giving-giving-giving (or pouring-pouring-pouring) of themselves into others due to their roles, duties and obligations. Often these great intentions lead to putting your needs last with a lack of self-care which can lead to not having anything more to give or pour into others, therefore the empty cup. This empty cup symbolizes experiencing overwhelm, burn-out, resentment, depression, anxiety and other challenges that may be due to a lack of unhealthy boundaries, people-pleasing tendencies, unresolved conflict, trauma and more. Specific areas of focus for Women's Issues: Providing tele-health or in-person therapy to Women only‚ who are 18 years of age and older I focus on women's issues such as depression, stress, anxiety, relationships distress, personal self-development and need of a deeper connection and understanding of yourself, ADHD symptoms or adult ADHD diagnosis or in need of testing for ADHD Diagnosis, betrayal trauma due to infidelity of their partner and who may be a partners of a sex addict, Women who are an adoptive parent and who may have children with mental health challenges. Remember that to continue being able to consistently and sustainably pour out of your cup you have to also pour into your cup (yourself) by taking care of yourself (self-care) and your mental, emotional and physical well-being. It is crucial, not selfish.

My communication style

I hope by making a client feel seen, heard, and validated it will be a first step in their healing journey. I am very warm, hospitable, easy-going, use humor, some gentle prodding when needed, and have been known to throw in some Southern saying I've learned along the way. I collaborate with you the client coming alongside to help "YOU" find the answers, skills, healing, empowerment and hope you are searching for.

My journey to mental healthcare

I value having trusted people in my life who listen to me with undivided attention, see me, and validate my feelings even if they do not agree with them. That is powerful, transformative and healing, it has been for me and I hope I can provide the same for you. 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 and who needed a kind word or an empathetic listening ear in whatever struggles they were going through in life. I'm passionate about the work I do because we're all human and in need of encouragement.

My goals for you

My goal for you is that you will feel supported and safe. In collaboration with you the client, I ask what top goals you have for pursuing therapy and then we go about together in collaboration setting small, manageable, reachable steps to reach those goals. I seek to help move you from intention, into making a plan, that results in a behavioral action. Some therapy goals may be symptom management and reduction, Learn/improve coping, Improve functioning, Behavioral modification, Skill acquisition, Improved interpersonal communication and relationships and more.

My first session with you

In my first tele-health or in-person session/s with first-time clients the goal is rapport building, information gathering and giving an orientation to what therapy/counseling is. I'll ask questions about your presenting concerns, current symptoms or struggles, what brings you to therapy now, gather history and background, and ask you what your therapy goals are. I will cover first-time informed consent, policies, and procedures and for assessing your safety and well-being I'll also ask where you are located such as at your house of which we have the address on file, or in the car parked on a specific street, etc. and if anyone else is in the room with you to ensure your privacy, confidentiality and safety. We'll also talk about your ongoing therapy scheduling needs and make the next appointment.