Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawnee Brew
Hi Shawnee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had a moment in my second year of college where I realized that my intended major was not what I wanted and so I chose to pursue an additional degree in psychology. My professors in this track encouraged me to continue working toward a career and apply to grad schools after graduation. I was accepted into CSPP’s San Diego PsyD program where I spent the next 5 years learning my craft. I was lucky enough to be able to receive training and some of our best VAs in the country for teaching which eventually led me back to San Diego. On fellowship I met Stacy Bonds where we dreamed of someday opening a private practice. In June of 2020 as life was changing rapidly that dream became a reality. Five years later we are a practice of 4 licensed psychologists and 2 trainees. I started a training program in 2023 which has allowed us to be a part of the training of future psychologists.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In some ways yes, in some ways no. I have always been a “gifted” student so the learning portions of my career have been easy/smooth. The challenges have been in various training environments. There is a culture within the psychology community where trainees tend to be taken advantage of because the requirements for school and licensure don’t allow us any wiggle room. This was a large part of the decision to create a training program of our own, to address the problems within the community and create a more supportive environment.
We’ve been impressed with Grounded Therapy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Grounded Therapy is an entirely virtual therapy practice based out of Encinitas, CA. We specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and OCD. We are known for our work with marginalized populations such as the LGBT+ community, neurodiverse clients, and disabled clients. What sets us apart from others is our groups’ values and how that is reflected in our work. We value culturally humble, affirmative and intersectional therapy, that is grounded in science. We also value access which we are able to enact via taking insurance, offering sliding scale spots, and telehealth appointments. We are most proud of the populations we serve and our ability to usher in the next generation of psychologists with our training program.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Such an important question! I would not be where I am today without the fierce support of my family, particularly my mom and dad who sacrificed so much so that I was able to not only be a first generation college student, but also the first in our family with both a Master’s and Doctorate degree. Their values of education and compassion led me to my work and they are still my fiercest cheerleaders to this day.
My mentors in undergrad and graduate school also played a huge role in my identity development as a young professional. Particularly Drs. Steven Thorp and Steven Schandler.
I have had so many wonderful clients over the years who have allowed me to grow and develop into my most authentic therapist self and I am so grateful to them, this work literally does not exist without them!
And of course to Stacy Bonds; this dream was created in a tiny broom closet during many a lunch hour and now we get to live the fruits of our labor every single day. Cheers to that!
Pricing:
- $235 for a 50 minute therapy session
- $260 for a 50 minute couples session
- $350 for a 90 minute therapy session
- $390 for a 90 minute couples session
- Insurance rates vary by plan and provider, sliding scale is also available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://groundedtherapy.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grounded.therapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groundedtherapy/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grounded-therapy/posts/?feedView=all
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/grounded-therapy-encinitas
Image Credits
Stephanie Fong of Stephanie Fong Photography
