Yvette Lawhorn, MA, LSW

With 12 years of experience in the mental health field, I take a thoughtful, compassionate, and interactive approach to therapy. I specialize in working with individuals and couples facing challenges such as trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, feelings of dissatisfaction, childhood trauma, and relationship challenges. My career includes working with adolescents, in-home family therapy, chronic mental health needs, and primary care settings. I have recently graduated with my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Framingham State University in May 2024. I currently work under the license of and receive supervision from Jessie Shanks, LMHC, LCPC.

In my work with couples, I recognize that communication can often be a significant barrier to connection. Many couples I work with experience their own mental health needs, which can complicate interactions and lead to misunderstandings. I create a safe and supportive environment where partners can openly express their thoughts and feelings. Together, we explore the underlying issues that may be hindering communication/connection and work on strategies to enhance understanding and empathy.

Using techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic approaches, I help couples develop practical skills for healthier communication. This includes learning how to express needs effectively, navigate conflict, and build emotional intimacy. I help couples to recognize their personal needs within a relationship and collaborate together to blend these needs. My goal is to empower couples to reconnect and strengthen their relationships, even in the face of individual challenges. I extend my couple’s work to family therapy, in which I work with small family systems around communication and interactional patterns.

For individuals, I focus on fostering self-discovery and skill building. I help clients develop coping strategies tailored to their unique experiences and mental health needs. From Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I pull a blend of coping strategies and reframing to assist individuals in changing what they can change and learning to tolerate/accept what they cannot change. I support clients in making sense of their emotional experiences and for rationally minded individuals, learning to access their emotions. From my experience in primary care, I incorporate wellness both emotionally and physically into sessions.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process and as is such, invite clients to share their concerns and feedback throughout the process. My style pulls from a blend of approaches and my approach is interactive. When beneficial, I collaborate with other service providers to enhance our work together. I look forward to walking alongside your journey.