When your emotions rise quickly, your thoughts can start sounding like facts. Your body may remain on alert, your mind may jump to the worst possible outcome, and it can become difficult to see yourself or the situation clearly. You may know that you want something to change while still feeling uncertain, discouraged, or pulled toward familiar ways of coping.

My name is Shawnette Reid – pronounced “Shawnetta” – and I am a Resident in Counseling and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor here at Whole Village Counseling. I work with millenials and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance use, emotional overwhelm, and difficult life transitions.

One of my greatest strengths is helping you slow things down enough to see what is happening from a different perspective. Together, we can examine the story your mind is telling you, separate what you are feeling from what is supported by the facts, and challenge thoughts that may be keeping you anxious, reactive, or stuck. We can also develop practical ways to help your body settle so you can respond more intentionally instead of reacting from a place of distress.

If alcohol or other substance use has become part of how you cope – or if you feel uncertain about whether you are ready to make a change – I offer a place to examine that honestly and without judgment. Rather than lecturing you or telling you what you should do, I help you explore what matters to you, recognize how your current choices may be affecting your life, and identify changes you feel ready and able to make. I also support individuals who are working to maintain recovery and create a life that supports their continued progress.

I am especially passionate about helping millenials, middle to later stage adults, and members of marginalized communities recognize their strengths, build confidence, and express their thoughts and emotions more clearly. Even when you cannot yet see your potential – or see another way through the situation – I will help you look again.

Working with me, you can expect genuine conversation, thoughtful questions, practical coping strategies, honest reflection, and supportive challenges that help you see yourself, your choices, and your circumstances differently.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” I truly love what I do!