- Warm and direct
- Goal focused
- 14 years experience
About Shawna
Shawna Pankonin is a licensed professional counselor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief, and trauma. She works with concerns ranging from parenting and family conflict to self-esteem, bipolar symptoms, and issues related to adoption and foster care. Shawna practices from Mississippi and communicates in English.
She brings 14 years of experience in school settings, youth courts, residential care, outpatient services, and a Child Advocacy Center. That background means she has seen many different situations and treatment needs. Shawna begins by listening to each person's story and treating them as the expert on their life.
Her style is warm and supportive, but direct when needed. Sessions are shaped around the person's goals rather than fitting a strict template. She uses practical tools to reduce symptoms and build coping skills while honoring each person's values and history.
Shawna primarily draws on client-centered work, cognitive behavioral ideas, mindfulness, narrative approaches, and solution-focused techniques. These methods are used to help people reframe difficult thoughts, practice new habits, and find small steps toward change. She also incorporates trauma-focused ideas when past harm affects current functioning.
She stresses that change takes time and effort, and she commits to walking alongside people who are ready to do the work. The first step is usually setting clear goals, then practicing skills between sessions so progress can carry into daily life.
Approaches that translate to online care
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and meeting people where they are; online sessions let that steady support continue when coming in person is difficult. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical tools to change unhelpful patterns; those tools work well in remote work between sessions. Mindfulness therapy trains attention and present-moment awareness to reduce reactivity and stress, which can be practiced in short daily exercises and then reviewed with a therapist.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, daily challenges, and preferences, then try methods that fit. If something doesn't seem to be helping, adjustments are made so therapy stays useful and relevant.
The original biography does not specify which session formats are offered, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow follow-ups from different locations. It also supports consistent work on skills between meetings and lets people use written or recorded practice tools at home. Talk with the therapist about timing and session length to find a pattern that fits day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Credentials
Mississippi
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Shawna focus on?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family conflict, grief, parenting challenges, self-esteem, career concerns, and bipolar symptoms. Additional focus areas include adoption and foster care issues, blended family challenges, caregiver stress, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is warm and nonjudgmental while also being direct when progress calls for it. She centers each person's goals and adapts techniques to fit individual needs.
What is her background and clinical experience?
Shawna has 14 years working across homes, residential care, schools, youth court systems, outpatient settings, and a Child Advocacy Center along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. That range has exposed her to many clinical issues and age groups.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She holds an MS LPC, which stands for a master of science and Licensed Professional Counselor, and practices in Mississippi.
In which languages can sessions be held and are international clients possible?
Sessions are offered in English and Shawna accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking to know whether online, phone, or in-person sessions are offered.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the sign-up process.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.