Shawn Mcgivern , LMHC

Shawn Mcgivern is a Massachusetts-based LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) with 27 years of clinical experience helping people and couples navigate complicated emotional terrain. She specializes in areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma and recovery, eating disorders, perfectionism, procrastination, imposter syndrome, identity formation, and communication challenges that affect partners, friends, family of origin, and coworkers. Her work also addresses a wide range of related concerns including abandonment, adoption and foster care issues, attachment difficulties, blended family dynamics, body image, codependency, commitment and control issues, dissociation, and caregiver stress.

Grounded in a strengths-focused, affirming approach, she creates a therapeutic environment that honors each personâs individual journey and lived experience. Shawn emphasizes helping people manage difficult emotions, strengthen self-compassion, improve interpersonal communication, and build practical strategies for growth. She welcomes individuals seeking support with identity questions, life transitions, workplace stressors, and interpersonal relationship concerns.

Her style is collaborative, empathetic, and tailored to the needs of each person. Drawing from evidence-based practices, Shawn helps clients develop greater self-understanding, resilience, and tools for daily coping. As a seasoned practitioner, she combines professional expertise with a commitment to respectful, client-centered care.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people learn to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that reflect their values. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and life changes where moving toward valued goals matters more than eliminating discomfort.

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on understanding how early relationships shape current patterns in intimacy and trust. It can be helpful for people working through abandonment, attachment issues, adoption and foster care concerns, and relationship conflicts.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is commonly applied to anxiety, depression, procrastination, perfectionism, and problems with sleep or eating.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and Shawn works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they explore which methods and exercises feel most useful and make adjustments over time.

Online therapy with Shawn is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility to fit therapy into busy schedules and different life circumstances. These remote options make it easier to access licensed professionals and therapists without commuting, offering continuity of care across life transitions and varying needs.