About Me

My Journey To Becoming A Therapist

Like many mental health professionals, I set out on this career path to understand my own emotions and experiences. Growing up, I struggled with depression, anxiety, loss, and other challenges that tested my resilience. While I had help along the way, I often felt alone throughout the process. 

I come from a family in helping professions, including medicine and social work, and I’ve always wanted to help people heal. I’ve also learned a lot about human resiliency and the ability to overcome hardship. Studying psychology came naturally to me because it was important to me to be there for others in the way I would have wanted someone to be there for me. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, I went on to pursue a degree in social work. 

After completing my internship, I’ve been an independently licensed therapist since 2007, applying the skills and knowledge I gained from my continual training, from each of my clients, and my own life experiences. There is a lot that I had to learn the hard way, and several of my clients have remarked that they can tell I’m speaking from experience and not “book learning.”

I am an observant and engaged listener and I can frequently help my clients identify feelings they may not have been able to verbalize or understand on their own. I wholeheartedly accept my clients, and one of my goals for each of my clients is that they learn self-acceptance and self-compassion. 

Support That Bridges Evidence-Based Psychology, Personal Philosophy, And Wisdom From Unexpected Places

I believe that deep and lasting change is possible, that fear is usually the hurdle keeping us from living our best life, and that achieving radical self-love and acceptance is one of the most courageous things we can do. Ultimately, doing the work to overcome counterproductive thoughts and behaviors creates change more quickly and effectively than we think. 

I use evidence-based therapy methods to help clients navigate and process trauma, foster healthier relationships, and learn to be more compassionate toward themselves and the world around them. I keep up to date on the latest developments within the study of trauma and am committed to providing the most effective, gentle care possible. 

My approach goes beyond traditional psychology because I believe that every experience in life has something to teach us, and I’m constantly learning from my own life experiences and from everyone around me.  Wisdom and growth come from each of my clients as well as from philosophers, popular culture, and holistic ideologies. 

Because I aim to customize the therapeutic experience for all, my clients appreciate that I offer outside-the-box solutions and a sense of humor while also gently challenging the long-held beliefs, thinking patterns, and behaviors that keep them in distress. 

Learning Is A Never-Ending Process That Happens In And Outside Of My Work

Outside of work, I love to read, play music, and engage in other creative hobbies. I’m currently learning to play the bass guitar and honing my singing abilities. And when I’m looking for a quick vacation from the noise of everyday life, I love diving into a good novel. Similarly, painting, sewing, and other crafts help me relax and find beauty in things. Throughout life, I have loved comedy because I think it can be significantly healing—especially during the rough patches. 

You Can Strike The Balance Between Positive Change And Self-Acceptance

I know how hard it can be to navigate life with depression, loss, trauma, and pain. I know what it’s like to struggle with perfectionism and guilt. I’ve had a lot to be grateful for, but that has not made life’s challenges any less isolating and unmanageable at times. 

That’s why I want to help you gather the strengths, resources, and strategies needed to be successful and fulfilled in life. Therapy sessions may sometimes stir up a turmoil of emotions that can be unsettling, but if you stick with it, I am confident that you can feel empowered, lighter, and more liberated to embrace life. Working together, you’ll find a therapist who is committed to your healing. 

To learn about how I can help or to schedule a free consultation to see if we’re a good match, please contact me for more information. 

Alicia Shamblin is a therapist licensed to practice in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, and Washington D.C. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Andrews University, Alicia went on to complete a Masters in Social Work at the University of Kentucky. She maintains extensive training in behavioral therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed approaches.