Shawn James

Shawn James is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Rochester, NY. Shawn is passionate about helping individuals who suffer to manage their anxiety, anger, or feelings of disconnection from others. Many of Shawn’s clients turn to substances to self-medicate their depression, which creates damage in their relationships, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. Shawn supports these clients to reconnect with their inner selves and process through the difficult feelings that arise. She is particularly passionate about working with the Black or African American, Indigenous, and other minority groups.

Shawn’s approach to therapy incorporates elements of many evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and others. She teaches clients about mental health and encourages them to reflect on their feelings, backgrounds, needs, and desires. Her style is approachable, down-to-earth, and humorous, as she loves to make therapy sessions a comfortable, compassionate space.

Shawn earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Roberts Wesleyan College. She takes a strengths-based, person-centered approach to therapy and values holistic balance across all areas of one’s life, including physical and spiritual health.