Shayna Carter

LPC (CO, MS) LMHC (WA) | In process: LPC (OR) | Clinical Supervision

she/her

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Fee: $70-180

Accepting New Clients

Clients describe me as

warm, down-to-earth, and someone who makes them feel seen-even when they’re exploring the parts of themselves they usually keep hidden.

My therapeutic superpower is

creating a space where clients feel safe enough to be messy, challenged enough to grow, and supported enough to keep going even on hard days.

The principle at the heart of my therapy is

At the heart of my therapy is authenticity-creating space where clients can be fully themselves without shame, pressure, or pretense.

What clients appreciate most about our work together

Clients appreciate that I balance compassion with gentle challenge-they know I’ll hold space for their pain, but also help them move through it.

My personality in therapy is

grounded, real, and sprinkled with humor. I believe healing doesn’t have to be heavy all the time.

Highlights

Invested in Growth – Mine and Yours Approachable, Honest, Humorous, and Real Licensed Professional Counselor Integrated Approach Teen & Adult Therapy

APPROACH & FRAMEWORK

Integrated Approach, Strengths-Based, and Client-Centered Supportive, Honest, and Compassionate Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies and Choice Theory Base Work

I approach therapy as a space for real growth, not just symptom management. My framework blends cognitive-behavioral tools, Choice Theory, and strengths-based strategies, all delivered through a client-centered lens. Sessions are grounded, compassionate, and goal-oriented—but never robotic or one-size-fits-all. I aim to help you make sense of your experiences, build on your strengths, and develop practical strategies you can take into the real world (yes, even the parts that happen in traffic or at awkward family dinners). You’ll find that I show up fully human—sometimes humorous, always honest—and I’ll invite you to do the same.

My approach to therapy is integrative and client-centered—grounded in CBT, Choice Theory, and reality-based frameworks, but always tailored to the person sitting across from me. I focus on helping clients identify what matters to them, navigate real-life challenges, and develop insight and skills they can carry forward.

When we work together, you can expect a mix of deep listening, collaborative goal-setting, and a dash of humor when it fits the moment. I aim to create a space that’s equal parts compassionate and challenging—where you feel supported in exploring the tough stuff, but also empowered to take steps forward. No judgment, no fluff—just honest work, done together.

My style is collaborative, grounded, and infused with genuine care (and occasionally humor).
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused practices.
I tailor every session to the person in front of me—no copy-paste therapy here.
I believe in helping clients connect their “why” to their “how,” so change actually sticks.
Therapy with me is about real conversations, practical tools, and creating space to grow—without losing your sense of humor.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers—but I’ll help you ask the right questions.

Top Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Reality Therapy Client-Centered Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Choice Theory Strengths-Based Approaches Trauma-Informed Therapy Psychoeducation Mindfulness-Based Strategies Narrative & Reflective Processing

Anger Management Therapy
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Couple and Family Systems Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Group Therapy
Mindfulness Based Therapy or Stress Reduction
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered / Rogerian Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Play Therapy
Reality Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Strength-Based Therapy
Supervision Services
Therapeutic Journaling
Trauma-Informed & Trauma-Responsive Care

AREAS OF CARE

Teens & Adults Personality Disorder Mood Disorders Anxiety & Depression Conduct Disorder

I specialize in supporting both teens and adults through life’s most confusing, overwhelming, and high stakes moments. Whether someone is navigating identity, relationships, emotional outbursts, or just trying to keep their head above water, I help them unpack what’s really going on and build the skills to cope, communicate, and heal.

I work best with teens and adults navigating mood instability, anxiety, emotional reactivity, and personality-related challenges – especially enjoy working with individuals who feel misunderstood or stuck – patterns that disrupt their relationships or sense of identity. Whether it’s a 14-year-old managing school-related behavior issues or a young adult exploring emotional regulation and self-esteem, I aim to meet each client with empathy, curiosity, and a little humor.

My expertise is particularly valuable for adolescents and adults with diagnoses like Borderline Personality Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. I also specialize in helping clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, or impulse control. My background in both clinical mental health counseling and supervision allows me to approach these challenges with a balance of structure and compassion, always aiming to reduce shame while increasing accountability.

Comfortable working with clients ages 13, Tweens and Teens/Adolescents
Skilled at adapting language and techniques to meet each developmental stage/capability
Experienced in residential and outpatient adolescent work
Strong focus on life-long rapport-building, motivational or narrative strategies

Top Areas of Care

Borderline Personality Oppositional Defiant Disorder Conduct Disorder Bipolar Disorder Anger Management Adjustment Disorders Conflict Resolution Relationship Issues Boundaries

Abuse (General)
Adjustment Disorders
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Aggression & Violence
Anger
Anger / Anger Management
Anger Management
Antisocial Personality
Anxiety
Anxiety (General & Death Anxiety)
Atypical Personalities
Behavioral Issues
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder / Patterns
Borderline Personality (BPD)
Borderline Personality Disorder
Child
Children of Parents with Addiction
Communication Issues (Couples & General)
Conflict Resolution
Coping Mechanisms / Coping Skills
Coping Skills
Couples / Marriage / Relationship Issues
Depression
Domestic Violence
Emotion Regulation (overwhelm, shutdown, expression)
Family Conflict
Family Conflict & Family Systems
Family Counseling
Goal-Setting
Hallucinations / Hearing Voices
Irritability
Mood
Mood Disorders
Mood Issues / Mood Disorders (General)
Oppositional Defiance (ODD)
Personality Disorders
Personality Disorders (General)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD / Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Relationship Issues
Trauma
Trauma and PTSD

Q & A

Heard, supported, and empowered in a space that honors your unique journey and fosters growth at your own pace.

A collaborative relationship that consists of respect, openness and honesty.

Is by reminding them how far they have come from their first session; by reminding my clients what goals they set for themselves that they have reached or are close to reaching.

Confidence. Instead of hearing I can’t, I hear I can.

I tailor my approach to fit the client I am working with. It is to make the client feel comfortable and wanting to be a part of this process.

That our time together is for you to feel safe and open enough to work on your problems in a collaborative space.

I want to be a person that others could come to when they are facing issues or struggling. I want to be that space where a person can be open and honest, and feel safe while working on their issues without fear of judgement.

BACKGROUND & IDENTITY

🏠 Small-Town Roots, Big-Hearted Perspective ✨ First-Gen Professional with Real-World Insight ↕ Relatable, Grounded, and Real 🌾 Raised Where Mental Health Wasn’t Talked About ✕ Therapist for the Overlooked & Misunderstood 🎤 Advocate for New Counselors & Growing Clinicians 💡 Bridge-Builder Between Clinical & Lived Experience 👂 Deep Listener with a Curious Spirit 🔄 Culturally Curious & Respectfully Responsive 🏔️ Rural Therapist with Southern Sensibility 📖 Passionate About People’s Stories & Where They’re Headed 💪 Therapist Who Shows Up With Humor and Grit ⭐ Familiar With Both Struggle & Privilege—Everyone Needs Help Sometimes

What drew me to the counseling field was a deep desire to help others, especially those who reminded me of my own family. I witnessed loved ones struggle with mental health challenges without ever getting the support they needed, and that left a lasting impact on me. It was heartbreaking to see, and it made me want to be the person who could offer what they never received. I’ve worked in communities with high rates of poverty, and I’ve seen how socioeconomic factors influence mental health. But no matter someone’s background—whether they have resources or not—everyone needs help sometimes. I stay motivated by the belief that if I can help just one person feel heard, supported, or empowered, I’ve made a difference. I truly enjoy learning about where people come from and walking beside them as they grow.

Growing up in a small Southern town and now living in a rural mountain community, I’ve learned the value of showing up with humility and respect for people’s lived experiences. Mental health wasn’t often talked about where I’m from, and that silence made me even more passionate about creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces. I’m someone who listens deeply and genuinely wants to understand where people are coming from. My work with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds has shaped the way I approach therapy—with curiosity, compassion, and a strong belief that people are the experts in their own lives. I’ve seen how systems fail people and how powerful it can be to simply be seen and heard. That drives my work every day.

I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including personality disorders, mood instability, and difficulty with boundaries or authority. Whether it’s helping a teen manage oppositional behaviors or supporting an adult in navigating intense emotional shifts, my approach balances directness with empathy. I don’t believe in sugar-coating, but I do believe in compassion and collaboration. My goal is to meet you where you are, offer tools that actually make sense in your real life, and help you move forward in a way that feels doable—not overwhelming.

Work with teens and adults (13+) navigating mood disorders, identity development, and emotional regulation
Specialized in personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder
Support clients with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mood-related concerns
Skilled at building rapport with clients who are resistant, guarded, or have been previously misunderstood
Incorporate trauma-informed care, CBT, Reality Therapy, and behavioral interventions to create practical change
Passionate about helping clients establish boundaries, build self-awareness, and strengthen their emotional regulation
Culturally responsive and experienced in working with clients from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Approach sessions with compassion, clinical depth, and the occasional well-timed dose of humor

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

LGBTQ+ Affirming BIPOC centered Culturally-humble Whole-person focused Life transitions Identity exploration Intuitive Relationally-focused Patient supporter Authenticity cultivation

I grew up in the Texas foster care system, which opened my eyes to deep systemic injustices—but also brought people into my life who chose to care for me when they didn’t have to. Being moved through different homes exposed me to a wide range of cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. That constant change shaped me, broadened my perspective, and helped me become more open-minded and well-rounded. Even without traditional familial role models, I encountered real empathy and love in unexpected places. These experiences are what led me to become a therapist. I show up the way I would’ve wanted someone to show up for me.

I’ve never fit into neat boxes, and I don’t expect the world to, either. I’ve had to make peace with complexity: spiritual, cultural, and emotional. I don’t pretend to know everything about everyone, but I know what it feels like to want to be understood without having to explain everything. I move through life holding that tension, staying awake to what people carry and how they communicate, especially the unspoken things. To me, culture isn’t just heritage; it’s rhythm, environment, language, memory, and survival. It shapes how we think, how we move, and how we make sense of the world. Being responsive isn’t a skill I picked up; it’s how I live. I try not to move through life on autopilot or assume one story applies to everyone. I stay open, because everyone carries something that deserves to be met with care.

Age & Intergenerational Experiences
Intergenerational Trauma & Healing
LGBTQ+ Families
Neurodivergent Experiences (ADHD, etc.)
Mental Health Conditions & Psychiatric Disabilities
Somatic Approaches for Diverse Bodies
Poverty & Economic Insecurity
Relationship Structure Diversity
Bicultural / Multicultural Identities
Spiritual Seeking & Religious Transitions

OUTSIDE THE SESSIONS

Music Lover Nature Enthusiast Lake Days & Snow Days Snowboarder Outdoorsy & Chill

Nature is My Therapy Too From snowy slopes to sunny lakes, nature is my happy place. Snowboarding, fishing, swimming, or just breathing in fresh mountain air–it helps me reset so I can show up fully for others.

Food, Fun & Exploration I love trying new food spots and finding those hidden local gems. There’s something about good food and good company that just hits right.

Outside of sessions, I’m usually finding ways to be near water, snow, or a great playlist. I love being in nature–whether it’s relaxing at the lake during summer or hitting the slopes on a snowboard in winter. Music is also a big part of my life–it helps me recharge, reflect, and stay grounded. These moments outside of work give me clarity and help me bring fresh energy into the therapy room.

Being out in nature, catching a live concert, or discovering a new restaurant brings me real joy. I love anything that combines connection, movement, or a little adventure–whether it’s snowboarding, fishing, or trying a dish I can’t pronounce. These moments recharge me and remind me why balance and fun matter, both in and out of session.

outside–snowboarding, hiking, or just soaking in a lake view. Nature is my go-to reset button. I also love music and how it connects us to emotion and memory. Whether it’s cruising mountain roads with my favorite playlist or going to a concert, music plays a big part in helping me stay grounded and joyful.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
M.A. Mental Health Counselor
PsyD Student in Clinical Psychology
ADC/PHI CIS Student

AS A SUPERVISOR

Documentation nerd Clinical Supervision Holding, Supporting, Consistency Professional Development Supportive Learning Environment

Collaboration, support, and empowerment. As a supervisor my goal is to help you grow into the best counselor that you want to be.

Those who are in their internship of their Master’s program, those who just graduated with their Master’s and are in the pre-license stage, and those who have their full license, but have only been practicing a year or two under their license.

The supervisee and supervisor to be secure, open and honest, while working in a collaborative manner.

As a supervisor, I view my role as a guide, collaborator, and advocate. I use the Discrimination and Developmental Models to help meet my supervisees where they are in their professional journey needs. My style is straightforward. Building warmth and accountability, I aim to create a learning space where it’s okay not to have all the answers as long as you’re willing to ask the hard questions.

Whether you’re just starting practicum or nearing licensure, you can expect a supportive experience that prioritizes your clinical voice, ethical strength, and self-confidence. We’ll build on direct counseling skills, attention to documentation, and professional identity all as I learn about you, and your personality.

IDM (with attention to Developmental Model)
DPM Counselor

TBD
Mood and personality disorders
Eat and anxiety therapy integration
Case formulation and ethical reflection
Rapport building with challenging clients

I work well with supervisees who:
–Are open to feedback and self-reflection
–Have time to discuss but also roll with the unexpected
–Want to better understand the humans (clients, especially human, kids, or families)
–Have skills confidence with clinical language, treatment planning, or doing supervision
–Prioritize different learning and need to be micromanaged