Orlando Therapist Spotlight Shauna Hughes, RMHCI
Anxiety Therapist Spotlight: Shauna Hughes
We are excited to highlight our newest member of the team, Shauna Hughes, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. Shauna specializes in working with adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, chronic illnesses, toxic relationships, and spiritual abuse. As an Orlando therapist, she answered some questions you may be wondering before starting anxiety counseling.
As an Orlando therapist for toxic relationships, what are some of the first things you address in counseling?
I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced toxic relationships, such as narcissistic and spiritual abuse. One of the first things I do with my clients is to help them recognize the patterns that keep them in toxic relationships and where they came from. Understanding why we continue to engage in these patterns can aid in the resolution of current anxiety and overwhelming emotions associated with our relationships. My clients learn how to set boundaries, use tools to find new ways to communicate and develop coping skills to alleviate stress and anxiety.
What are some of the main issues you see in counseling?
Many of my clients find it difficult to have a say in their relationships. They frequently realize that they lack boundaries because they haven't learned the value of having them or how to set healthy boundaries. They also have a tendency to self-blame for relationship problems, believing that if they change themselves, they would be able to control the relationship conflict. They are frequently surprised to realize that their beliefs are linked to themes of control and perfectionistic tendencies learned in childhood.
How do you help clients in toxic relationships with anxiety?
Anxiety is common among clients who are in toxic relationships. In counseling, I assist them in recognizing the cause of their anxiety and how the brain interacts with their functioning. By understanding the triggers which arch anxiety in our systems, they can identify sources and start reducing symptoms. After identifying triggers, we focus on anxiety-reduction techniques through exercises in mindfulness training, relaxation methods, and EMDR therapy. Clients will receive a personalized treatment plan to address their specific symptoms and challenges.
How do you help with anxiety?
Individuals suffering from anxiety will be given skills to help them control their symptoms. We will also concentrate on identifying and healing the source of the anxiety. Clients will understand the significance of anxiety as a human message to self about needs that warrant attention, as well as how to challenge restrictive belief systems and find solutions. Accepting anxiety as an internal message and call to action can help return to normal levels of functioning.
What skills do you teach your clients for anxiety?
In counseling, we will employ mindfulness exercises and skill development to not only reduce anxiety but also to pinpoint the root of client anxiety. I help my clients understand how brain processes can aid in how we maintain anxious functioning. EMDR Therapy is then used to heal the brain by reprocessing memories that have a current influence on how they show up in relationships. Working with EMDR therapy and mindfulness is an integrated technique used to assist clients using a whole-person approach.
How do you bring EMDR therapy into counseling for relationships?
As a method of determining where clients might address improvements, we examine prior relationship patterns and how they affect present relationships. When clients begin to notice patterns, they often are then able to determine what needs to be healed in EMDR therapy sessions. Clients become healthier in their interactions and typically discover how to set boundaries in toxic relationships after mending these old memories and pain from previous relationships.
Do you use EMDR therapy for anxiety?
I use EMDR therapy to help lower anxiety, heal traumatic memories which show up in current functioning, and improve relationships by understanding how pain impacts our emotions. EMDR therapy allows my clients to be less ‘triggered’ and able to process their thoughts with less reactive emotions. They are no longer ‘hijacked’ by their emotions, able to communicate productively and find their anxiety diminishes in a significant way. They find themselves engaging in more positive self-talk and letting go of tendencies toward perfectionism. They also begin to make and hold boundaries which leads to healthier relationships.
Ready to start therapy in Orlando with Shauna?
Shauna Hughes at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando is here for you. She has some availability left for in-person and virtual sessions. Shauna Hughes is a highly trained therapist who will help you feel in control of your emotions again. To get started with Shauna Hughes:
Fill out our New Client Consultation Form
Schedule a consultation call with our Client Care Coordinator
Start the journey of helping you heal
Not Quite Ready for Anxiety Counseling?
We have a highly trained team that is ready to help you on your healing journey. Orlando therapists will help you gain tools that will help you overcome any anxiety you may be struggling with. If you’re not ready, we understand. In the meantime, feel free to read the articles below.
Additional Anxiety Resources
An Anxiety Therapist Shares Everything You Need to Know About Anxiety
Decision-Making Anxiety? Anxiety Therapist Shares 5 Steps to Make Decisions Easier
51 Grounding Techniques to Help You Feel Grounded Now
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando, FL
Our therapists understand that anxiety may not be the only challenge you may struggle with. That’s ok. We offer a variety of therapy services at Mindful Living Counseling which include Trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, Toxic Relationship Therapy, and Teen Therapy. We encourage you to check out our Guided Meditations. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
About the Author
Shauna is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern at Mindful Living Counseling. Shauna’s specialties include working with trauma, toxic relationships, anxiety, and coping with chronic health conditions. Shauna is also EMDR trained. When she’s not busy seeing her clients Shauna enjoys spending time with loved ones.