Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Quote
Timeline
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Shawna Surface

Shawna Surface

LMHCA
Tacoma,WA

Summary

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) at Bailey and Bailey Counseling, specializing in trauma-informed diagnosis and treatment planning for individuals impacted by homelessness, addiction, and PTSD. I bring a culturally responsive, client-centered approach to care—grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for lived experience. Known for enhancing recovery outcomes, fostering diversity appreciation, and integrating ethical, holistic care into every therapeutic interaction.

Learn more about my approach and availability:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/bailey-and-bailey-counseling-and-oakdale-family-tacoma-wa/1346723

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

LMHCA

Bailey and Bailey Counseling/Oakdale Family
08.2024 - Current
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Works effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • I am also skilled in critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
  • Along with assessment and diagnosis.
  • Skilled in treating anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and substance abuse.
  • Diverse backgrounds: trauma, PTSD, addiction, and homelessness.

Private Caregiver

Self-employed
02.2016 - 01.2023
  • Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
  • Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
  • Oversaw implementation and ongoing assessment of patient care plan.
  • Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.

Hospice Caregiver

Self-employed
05.2016 - 08.2022
  • Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
  • Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
  • Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
  • Protected privacy and delivered comfort to preserve dignity of dying patient and family members.
  • Comforted family members, offered attentive listening and high level of emotional support.

Education

Post-Master Of Science And Counseling - Trauma Counseling

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
05.2025 - Current

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling/Student

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
07.2024

Bachelor of Science - Addiction Counseling

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
2020

High School Diploma -

Apollo High School
Glendale, AZ
1986

Skills

  • Trauma-Informed Counseling & Diagnosis
    Culturally Responsive Care & Diversity Appreciation
    Treatment Planning & Ethical Documentation
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    Motivational Interviewing (MI)
    Solution-Focused Therapy (SFBT)
    Substance Use & Recovery Support
    Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention
    Empathetic, Client-Centered Communication
    Complex Problem-Solving & Collaboration
    Respectful, Compassionate Presence
    Self-Awareness & Reflective Practice

Quote

"The first step to getting what you want in this world is to get rid of what you don't."
Zig Ziglar

Timeline

Post-Master Of Science And Counseling - Trauma Counseling

Grand Canyon University
05.2025 - Current

LMHCA

Bailey and Bailey Counseling/Oakdale Family
08.2024 - Current

Hospice Caregiver

Self-employed
05.2016 - 08.2022

Private Caregiver

Self-employed
02.2016 - 01.2023

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling/Student

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Science - Addiction Counseling

Grand Canyon University

High School Diploma -

Apollo High School
Shawna SurfaceLMHCA