- Client-centered listening
- Trauma-informed care
- Relationship repair
About Shakina
Shakina Small is an LPC with 26 years of clinical experience who uses a client-centered approach in therapy. She combines practical conversation with clear guidance to help people untangle relationship patterns and emotional pain. Sessions focus on real problems such as codependency, trauma, addiction, and parenting stress so families can function better over time.
She has worked across many settings, including schools, residential treatment, group homes, inpatient and outpatient programs, foster care, and correctional facilities. That variety shaped a flexible style that adapts to each person's needs. Shakina draws on several approaches to meet people where they are and to make change feel doable.
In practice she often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior. She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotional regulation and Emotionally-Focused Therapy ideas for repairing attachment and closeness. These methods are used alongside client-centered listening to keep the work practical and grounded.
She describes her style as empathetic and engaging, and when needed she can be direct to push for growth. Many clients come for help with relationship problems, parenting challenges, substance issues, anger, ADHD, or mood concerns like bipolar disorder. Shakina aims to help people identify the roots of recurring problems and take steps toward healthier patterns.
Shakina practices in Pennsylvania and offers therapy in English. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
How her approaches translate to online therapy
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so the client feels heard and understood; online sessions keep that core by giving space for a person to tell their story and set goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to change them; online work can include homework, thought records, and short exercises between sessions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) supplies concrete skills for regulating emotions and managing crises, which can be practiced and reinforced in weekly sessions.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will review goals, try methods that fit a client's situation, and adjust plans based on what helps most. This is a collaborative process that aims to match techniques to the client's needs and preferences.
The practical benefits of online care include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into a busy week. Online therapy can reduce travel time and make it simpler to check in during breaks or days when leaving home is difficult. Specific session formats are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking to see what works best for daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Credentials
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Shakina address?
She helps with relationship and family struggles, trauma and abuse, codependency, addictions, parenting challenges, anger, career issues, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is client-centered and empathetic, with clear guidance when needed. She balances listening with practical tools to support change.
How much experience does she have?
Shakina has 26 years of experience working as a psychotherapist across multiple settings including schools, residential programs, and inpatient and outpatient care.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, practicing in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients sign up?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are session formats arranged?
Specific session formats are not listed here; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To start, use the Start Therapy button and complete the short matching questionnaire to schedule.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.