License #LW61539124

About Me – Svetlana Shjerven, LICSW

I approach therapy through an existential framework, prioritizing empathy, compassion, and building a strong rapport and therapeutic relationship to facilitate positive changes. I endeavor to explore with you your unique experiences, contexts, connections with others and the world around us to foster healing and enhance resiliency. I believe strongly in the importance of feeling connected in relationships, to our environment, and to ourselves. Addressing the “here and now” that arises during therapy allows our sessions to adapt and work with the difficult emotions or thoughts that come up, in a safe environment that is confidential, nonjudgmental and humanistic. As well, I can implement more structure into sessions if that is what you are seeking.

I utilize an eclectic approach in practice, combining elements from multiple areas to suit your needs. In particular, I often draw from humanistic psychology, systems theory, and existentialism in the exploration of self-actualization and addressing barriers. I offer evidence-based, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. I also offer “walk and talk” style outdoor therapy too, which could be part of our approach in addressing agoraphobia or anxiety when appropriate.

I have worked with and am drawn to working with those who have experienced anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem issues, grief and chronic pain. I am LGBTQIA+, gender- and poly-affirming and enjoy working with clients along the spectrum of neurodiversity and disability. In this space to heal, we can foster resiliency and explore being.