Byalinah Shakir-Burgess, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Hypnotherapist, EMDR trained

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally stuck, support is available, and you don’t have to go through it alone. I currently have appointments available within 24 to 48 hours, with the option to begin as soon as tomorrow. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring a compassionate, grounded, and collaborative approach to therapy. I am trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and I thoughtfully integrate these approaches based on each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe healing can happen in an environment that feels safe, authentic, and human, so when appropriate, I use gentle humor to reduce tension, foster connection, and help clients feel at ease. In our work together, I support clients in identifying and strengthening natural support systems, setting healthy boundaries, developing effective coping strategies, achieving greater work-life balance, and processing past and present trauma. My therapeutic style is holistic and client-centred, with a strong focus on building resilience through active listening, empathy, collaboration, and unconditional positive regard. I specialize in helping individuals, children, and families navigate: • Anxiety, depression, and stress • Trauma and posttraumatic stress (PTSD) • Grief and loss • Major life transitions (parenting, divorce, college adjustment) • Emotional and behavioral challenges in children and adolescents • Family and parent-child relationship concerns I use evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, CBT, and hypnotherapy, to help clients: ✔ Process and heal from difficult experiences ✔ Develop practical coping strategies ✔ Improve emotional regulation ✔ Build resilience and confidence My approach is holistic, supportive, and collaborative, focused on helping you feel understood while making real, lasting progress. Insurance accepted but I do not accept Medicaid or Medicare. Next step (simple and no pressure): I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions and see if this feels like the right fit. I have availability as soon as tomorrow. What time works best for you? You deserve support, clarity, and a path forward, and I’m here to help.