A Word from Shacara:
“Welcome to the next phase of your life. I want you to know that making the decision to face your fears, dark places, and your past is a decision that most do not feel confident enough to make. It’s scary and sometimes overwhelming but here you are. Let me just tell you that and YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK.
I have found that the most important things in life are always the hardest, yet they yield the greatest reward. I am like most Human Service professionals who find themselves dedicated to helping people; I always knew I wanted to help people. I knew that I wanted to help people be better. I was the type of kid who thought of solutions to solve problems before you even knew it was something that could be solved. From that, I knew that I wanted to help individuals identify and solve the problems that meant the most to them. Before I went to school to attain formal education, I was taught by experience; I became a teen mom at the age of 19. That life change gave me first-hand experience in navigating the systems that I needed to rely on to survive and thrive. This was the first tangible experience that solidified my heart’s desire to want to assist others in navigating the various transitions of life. The ones planned and expected and the unexpected ones that throw us for a loop. Being a single mom, while growing and going through my own changes led me to choose to begin my education learning about family systems and early childhood education. How the family dynamic and the natural cycle of growth and development over the life span plays a role in the direction our lives take. My background in family studies provides a strong foundation for addressing the needs of children, individuals, and families, throughout their lifespan. Life is full of changes and transitions. Some natural, some we can handle, and some that cause us to feel like we are being handled. It is in my experience that either way, they all present a fighting chance of overcoming. And this is what it is all about, overcoming!
My therapeutic approach to wellness is effective in bridging the gap between where clients are and where they want to be. With advocacy and equality as pillars of a balanced approach, I engage clients from a holistic perspective. I am committed to using relatability in building relationships that help clients feel comfortable, protected, motivated, and empowered. My positive message of justice and fairness not only encourages active open communication but also sets the groundwork for achieving the best possible outcomes.“
Education & Trainings
Shacara completed her undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University, receiving a B.A. in Family Studies. As a dually-enrolled student, Shacara earned a master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University and is completing her Juris Doctor degree from WMU Thomas Cooley Law School in order to also be able to practice as an attorney. She currently possesses a Limited Master Social Work License (LLMSW) and is also a Certified Civil Mediator.
Shacara holds certifications in the following areas: Gottman Level I Certification, Strengthening Families, Understanding and Analyzing Systemic Racism, Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment-SIBRT, Cognitive Restructuring Program, Drugs, Alcohol, Pregnancy and the Vulnerable Child Early Childhood and Intervention, Understanding childhood trauma & toxic stress, Building Resilience & Responding to trauma-based behaviors, Intergenerational Trauma & Parent-Child attachment, Secondary Traumatic Stress & Self Care.
Specialties
Shacara’s specialties include: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and loss, transitions, cognitive restructuring, parenting, early childhood development, self-image, and self-worth. Shacara with those of any age. For child counseling and teen counseling, she specializes in topics like anger management, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, trauma, life changes, grief, family issues, and divorce adjustment.
Pronouns Used
She/her/hers
Fun Fact
“I love to dance!”
Shacara can accept the following insurances and also offers self-pay options:
