- Years in practice
- 26
- Credentials
- LPC
- Licensed in
- Pennsylvania
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Family conflicts
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
About Shakina
Shakina Small is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with 26 years of clinical experience. She offers straightforward, empathetic care for people facing relationship strain, parenting challenges, trauma, mood issues, and substance concerns. She writes plainly and meets clients where they are, focusing on practical steps and honest conversation.
Her work blends client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral and emotion-focused tools. Sessions often include skills practice, gentle challenge, and exploration of patterns that keep problems repeating.
Background and approach
She helps people identify triggers and try new ways of responding to stress, anger, or attachment wounds. Shakina has worked across many settings including schools, residential programs, and treatment centers. That background informs a flexible approach that adapts to different life situations.
She draws on a range of techniques so sessions feel tailored rather than one-size-fits-all. Parents will find attention to real-life challenges like blended family dynamics, fatherhood issues, adoption and foster care concerns, and communication breakdowns. She supports people dealing with addiction, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and the fallout from domestic violence and abuse.
In sessions she is direct when needed and warm in tone. The focus is on helping clients spot unhealthy cycles and practice alternatives that work at home and in relationships. She encourages steady progress and honest effort rather than quick fixes.
What Shakina works with
Everything Shakina lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Shakina helps people with.
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Addictions
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- Attachment issues
- Blended family issues
- Body image
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Infidelity
- Intellectual disability
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Shakina lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Existential Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so people feel understood and can explore choices. This approach helps with relationship worries, parenting stress, and self-esteem by centering the client's experience and goals.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, mood swings, ADHD-related routines, and coping with life changes because it gives specific techniques to try between sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides emotion regulation and distress-tolerance skills. Those tools help people manage anger, strong emotions, and urges linked to addiction or relationship conflict.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk about goals, try methods that fit the client's needs, and adjust strategies over time to find what helps most.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and skills work. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging suit shorter check-ins, ongoing support, or moments when typing feels safer. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy parenting schedule or a changing life routine.
Questions people ask about Shakina
What concerns does she address?
She helps with relationship strain, parenting struggles, trauma and abuse, substance and addiction issues, self-esteem, anger, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and career or life-change stress.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is client-centered and direct when needed. Sessions combine empathy, practical skills, and occasional challenge to promote change.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 26 years of experience working in schools, residential and treatment settings, and community programs.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
In what session formats can I meet with her?
She works via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.
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