Shawnna Hunter, B.Ed., M.Sc., RSSW (she/her), is one of our valued Associate Clinicians and a Registered Social Service Worker in good standing with the OCSWSSW (Reg# 844568). With an extensive background in education, mental health, and advocacy, Shawnna brings a compassionate and holistic approach to her practice. She is dedicated to supporting clients through life transitions, mental health challenges, and personal growth, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for healing. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or seeking personal empowerment, Shawnna’s expertise and client-centered approach will help you on your journey toward wellness and resilience.
2024-2025 Fee Structure:
$150 per hour for individual therapy. If you require a sliding scale fee, please inquire about it during your consultation with Shawnna.
Specialization & Clinical Focus:
- Anxiety and Depression: Shawnna supports clients in managing anxiety and moderate depression by developing coping strategies that improve mood, reduce symptoms, and enhance overall mental health.
- Stress and Daily Life Struggles: She helps clients manage stress and everyday challenges through personalized techniques, fostering resilience and promoting healthier routines.
- Navigating Adulthood: Shawnna assists individuals in dealing with the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, such as identity formation, career decisions, and life responsibilities.
- Relational, Social, and Family Conflicts: She focuses on improving relationships and communication, helping clients navigate social challenges, resolve family conflicts, and strengthen interpersonal connections.
- School and Work-Related Struggles: Shawnna provides guidance for those facing academic or professional stressors, aiming to improve productivity and emotional well-being.
- Religious Trauma: She offers a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to heal from religious trauma or conflicts, supporting their identity and personal growth.
- Self-Esteem, Boundaries, and Communication Issues: Shawnna helps clients build self-worth and confidence while establishing healthy boundaries and improving communication skills to enhance overall well-being.
Professional Experience:
Shawnna has had the privilege of serving individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities, which has enriched her understanding of their unique mental health needs. She has worked extensively in social services, particularly in mental health. Her roles have included settlement caseworker, mentor, mental health liaison, mental health case manager, and program manager, allowing her to develop a robust foundation in counseling and mental health support. Shawnna has provided crisis counseling, mental health case management, and psychosocial support, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need during challenging times.
Working in underserved, racialized, and marginalized communities, where trauma, violence, and barriers to accessing mental health services are prevalent, has further sharpened her skills in supporting youth and families who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, and daily life challenges.
Education & Training:
Shawnna holds a Master of Science in Applied Psychology from the University of Liverpool. She also earned a Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Diploma in Social Service Work from Sheridan College. Her education is complemented by extensive training in various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and attachment-focused therapy, all rooted in strength-based and trauma-informed methodologies. Additionally, Shawnna incorporates spirituality and faith-based approaches into her practice upon request, tailoring her methods based on individual needs assessments to provide holistic support.
Clinical Supervision:
Shawnna is currently receiving an ongoing clinical supervision from Bruno Jung-Millen, MSW, RSW (OCSWSSW, reg# 837354) and participates in peer group consultations for professional development.
