Shantia Geralds(She/Her/Hers)

Shantia Geralds is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Valley Stream, NY. Shantia specializes in working with people from different cultural backgrounds who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Often, these mental health challenges lead to conflict with loved ones, whether that’s from miscommunications, misperceptions, or low self-worth. Shantia also works with those who have high levels of stress in their lives, including new parents and those who have high performance jobs.

Shantia utilizes multiple evidence-based therapy modalities in her work with clients. Through psychodynamic therapy, she gently guides clients through introspection. Clients learn how to reflect on their instincts, needs, and motivations. This pairs with Motivational Interviewing, where Shantia helps clients establish an understanding of their readiness for change. They might seek to change their interpersonal style, relationship with substances, or coping strategies, and Shantia helps them take steps towards healthier lives. She also draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Through CBT, clients learn how to reduce the frequency of cognitive distortions and see situations with different perspectives. Shantia enjoys bringing the mind-body connection into conversations with clients and often encourages clients to pay attention to the way that they physically experience emotions.

Shantia earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham university and is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor. Her goal is to empower clients to make positive self-talk a habit so that they can trust that their resiliency will help them overcome life’s obstacles.