Dr. Cynthia Shaw is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, owner of Authentically Living Psychological Services, PLLC, and adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

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Prior to launching her practice, Dr. Shaw completed her PostDoctoral Fellowship and started her career at Resilience Psychological Services, a group practice in Chicago, IL. She completed her PreDoctoral Internship in Philadelphia, PA at The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard, working on the forensic unit with individuals struggling with psychosis. Additionally she has worked with the following organizations: Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare Services, The Francis Xavier Warde School, Sankofa Psychological Services, Staten Island University Hospital, and Sunrise Assisted Living. 

 

Dr. Shaw was trained as a generalist and has experience working with many different individuals and clinical presentations. She is well versed working with individuals struggling with existential anxiety and dread; she enjoys working with those who feel stuck, groundless, and overwhelmed. She particularly enjoys working with individuals struggling with identity formation and purpose, and who struggle relationally because of their disconnect and low self-esteem. Dr. Shaw has additional certifications and expertise in the areas of grief, trauma, psychosis, and judiciary issues; Dr. Shaw completed her dissertation on female sex offenders and their experience with community notification laws.

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Dr. Shaw has a warm, friendly, and open presence. She practices from an Existential and Philosophical perspective, and utilizes Experiential and Relational Processing, as well as aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and trauma informed care to increase mental flexibility, adaptive skills, and improved relationships. She values practicing authentically, sincerely, and respectfully within her practice. Dr. Shaw’s therapeutic style is direct, non-structured, and person-centered. She is relational in her approach, strength-based, and culturally sensitive. She views the client as the expert of their own lived experience and focuses on the here-and-now. During therapy, Dr. Shaw fosters a space that is nonjudgmental, empathic and supportive.

 

She believes psychotherapy provides a chance to confront one’s suffering and increase individual insight in search for meaning and toward an understanding of one’s relationship with themself, their social environment, and their spiritual world. When working with Dr. Shaw, therapy often focuses on increasing self-awareness, self-understanding, and self-discovery. Dr. Shaw views the therapeutic relationship as a paramount agent of exploration and change, and she practices by incorporating an open presence, transparency, and collaboration to increase rapport and a sound relationship between her and her clients. Finally, Dr. Shaw views the validation of a person’s existence as a fundamental therapeutic element and is known to emphasize personal choice and responsibility, creativity, love, and authenticity.

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Dr. Shaw is originally from New-Jersey. Her nursery school teachers described her as an “old soul,” and those who currently know her well as a “considerate,” “unique,” and “motivated” individual. She knew early on about her desire to help others and was often a listening ear and confidant for many around her. During her free time, Dr. Shaw enjoys reading, running, and spending quality time with family and friends.