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Taylor Shenk
RMHCI
,
She/Her
I believe there is always a reason behind the way we think, feel, and respond. Instead of only focusing on the problem that's happening today, I like to look at the whole picture of your life. Together, we'll explore how your past experiences, relationships, nervous system, personality, and environment have shaped where you are now. My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. Therapy with me isn't about sitting in silence while someone nods across the room. It's a conversation. I'll ask questions, offer observations, provide education along the way, and gently challenge patterns that may no longer be serving you. I want therapy to feel like a place where you can be completely yourself without worrying about being judged.
Who I Work With
I work with teens and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like they've lost themselves somewhere along the way. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, women's issues, relationship challenges, people-pleasing, low self-esteem, or major life transitions. A lot of the people I work with are the ones who have always been "the strong one." They're used to taking care of everyone else, overthinking everything, or feeling like they have to keep it all together. They often tell me they've spent years wondering, "Why am I like this?" and are looking for more than just coping skills, they want to truly understand themselves. You don't have to be in crisis to come to therapy. Sometimes you're simply ready to stop surviving and start living in a way that feels more like you.
In Session
No two sessions look exactly the same because no two people are the same! Some days we'll spend time processing what's happening in your life right now. Other days we may explore childhood experiences, relationship patterns, or the beliefs you've developed about yourself over time. I also enjoy helping clients understand what's happening in their brain and nervous system because I believe knowledge can be incredibly empowering. Depending on your goals, we might use mindfulness, nervous system regulation, parts work (IFS-informed), cognitive and behavioral strategies, values exploration, practical coping skills, or worksheets and activities to help connect the dots. My goal is always to help you leave session with greater understanding, not just of the situation, but of yourself.
What Guides My Work
I believe healing happens when people feel safe enough to be honest, curious enough to explore, and supported enough to make meaningful change. My work is guided by the belief that symptoms aren't random, they're often adaptations that once served a purpose. Rather than asking "What's wrong with you?" I find it more helpful to ask, "What happened?" or "What makes sense about this?" I draw from several evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed work, somatic and nervous system approaches, and mindfulness. Rather than following one strict model, I tailor therapy to fit the person sitting in front of me.
Personal Lens
I know that reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, and I don't take for granted the trust it takes to share your story with someone. My goal is to create a space where you don't feel like you have to have the "right" words or everything figured out before you walk through the door. You can show up exactly as you are, even if that's anxious, angry, exhausted, uncertain, or simply curious about where to begin. I believe therapy should feel human. Sometimes we'll laugh, sometimes we'll sit with difficult emotions, and sometimes we'll celebrate progress that may seem small but actually represents huge growth. Wherever you are in your journey, I'm here to meet you there.