Shayna Cole

Empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges is at the heart of Shayna Cole's therapeutic approach. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) at CHD's Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Easthampton, Shayna dedicates herself to supporting those who are struggling to help themselves through difficult times.

Shayna's journey into social work was driven by a profound desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. She articulates her mission clearly: "I wanted to be a social worker to be a support for others while they make the changes to improve their lives." This commitment to facilitating positive change extends beyond individual client work, as Shayna also aspires to contribute to broader societal improvements.

Her experience as an intern at the Easthampton clinic in 2020-2021, while pursuing her Master of Social Work at Springfield College, laid a strong foundation for her current role. This internship was instrumental in honing her skills in building therapeutic relationships, applying various therapy models, and maintaining healthy boundaries. Shayna credits the supportive environment and guidance from experienced colleagues for making the steep learning curve of clinical work more manageable.

One of Shayna's strengths lies in her ability to individualize her approach to meet each client's unique needs. She values the direct contact with a diverse range of individuals, each dealing with their own set of challenges. This experience has allowed her to refine her therapeutic style and navigate the complexities of client relationships effectively.

Shayna finds particular satisfaction in witnessing her clients' progress. She describes her favorite part of the job as "when I see things start to 'click' for clients where they begin to recognize unhealthy patterns and start to treat themselves differently." She recalls with pride a specific case where a client who initially came to the clinic in crisis, struggling with daily functioning, made remarkable progress and is now applying to law school.

At CHD's Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic, Shayna Cole continues to embody the principles of supportive, transformative therapy. Her approach combines professional expertise with genuine care, creating a safe space for clients to work through their challenges and achieve personal growth.