Shawna Pankonin , LPC

Shawna Pankonin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Mississippi with 14 years of experience in the mental health field. Her career has taken her into homes, residential treatment settings, schools, youth court systems across the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, outpatient clinics, and a Child Advocacy Center, giving her a broad foundation working with diverse clinical concerns. She brings a person-centered, holistic, and eclectic approach to care, meeting people where they are and adapting methods to fit individual needs. Shawna often focuses on stress reduction, anxiety, depression, anger management, family conflict, parenting skills, relationship struggles, and complex trauma and abuse, and she has experience with a wide variety of other mental health disorders.

Shawna emphasizes collaboration and respects that each person is the expert on their own life. She primarily draws on evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques while also incorporating more classical counseling methods when helpful. Her style is warm and supportive, yet direct and practical when it comes to working toward goals. She values creativity in sessions and avoids confining the work to a rigid formula, instead allowing the process to follow what will best empower each person.

Shawna is realistic about change - it often takes time and effort - and she commits to walking alongside those who are willing to do the work. Together she works with clients to set clear goals, develop steps to address problems, and build confidence to move forward and feel more in control of their lives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Shawna commonly integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices into her online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and understanding the client's perspective so individuals feel heard and respected; it helps with building self-esteem, improving relationships, and navigating major life changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) explores the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress-related challenges. Mindfulness therapy introduces simple attention and awareness techniques that can reduce reactivity, increase emotional regulation, and support coping with trauma and ongoing stress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Shawna works collaboratively to identify which methods fit best with a person s goals, needs, and preferences. She tailors interventions and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds, aiming for an approach that feels useful and relevant to everyday life.

Online therapy with Shawna is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for varied schedules and life demands. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals, maintain momentum between sessions, and fit therapeutic work into busy routines.