shavon walton

A common question I receive is “Can people really change?” The answer is absolutely, people can change! While it may be convenient to accept the assumption that people can’t change, it is far from true. People can change and we do it every day. With every conscious moment we are all presented with new information that may result in us affirming what we already know and believe or that gives rise to a change in our psyche. We live in a world where if we don’t see change immediately we dismiss it as not happening. Often others give up on us and we give up on ourselves because we have become accustomed to immediate results and we give up too quickly, not realizing or remembering that real change starts in our minds. Like a planted seed, we don’t see the change right away but it’s happening.

As a mental health therapist, I help to facilitate change processes that lead to emotional health. My therapeutic approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Theory, which is a model of therapy that focuses on changing unhealthy thought patterns, beliefs and behaviors that tend to cause and maintain emotional distress. Additionally, I teach this approach to master’s level students at Wayne State University. I provide therapy, coaching, supervision and consultation services. My specialties include working with adults suffering from stress, anxiety and/or depression with an added emphasis on hoarding disorder and conditions that often underlie hoarding, such as PTSD, disorganization, attachment disorder, grief/loss, procrastination and trauma.

I have been a Social Worker for over 20 years and have worked in a variety of settings, including the Aging Network, Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. My education includes: Master of Social Work, Master of Management, Post Graduate Certificate for working with Couples and Families and a B.A. in Psychology.

What I believe:
I believe we all have the capacity to make positive evolutionary and revolutionary changes in our lives.
I believe emotional intelligence is a key indicator of well being and it is attainable.
I believe emotional health is just as important to our functionality as physical health.
I believe emotional and mental check ups are just as important as physical check ups, if not more so.
I believe optimal and long lasting change is the result of learning, applying and sharing new skills and repeating and refining the process.

I BELIEVE IN YOU. I know personally, that it is not easy to take that first step and to trust someone, especially with your most guarded, personal "stuff". However, you've come this far. You can do this. Allow me to walk with you for the next step in your journey toward wellness.