PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

ST Portrait of Shalonda Thornton-Knox
Online therapist

Shalonda Thornton-Knox

Calm, practical therapy for real-life challenges

Credentials
MD, LCPC
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
Maryland
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Shalonda

Shalonda Thornton-Knox is a licensed clinician who combines practical, evidence-informed approaches with a straightforward, supportive style. She holds an MD and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, and has worked in Maryland for 20 years. She keeps sessions focused and collaborative to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

She often helps people navigate relationship and parenting strains, trauma and abuse recovery, anger, and career transitions. Sessions are meant to build skills for coping with life changes and for managing symptoms of bipolar disorder and ADHD.

Background and approach

She treats these concerns with clear goals and step-by-step plans rather than vague talk. Her background includes two decades of direct clinical work with individuals and with parents who want practical help. She believes each person knows their own story and brings strengths into therapy.

The therapist helps clients recognize those strengths and use them to meet new challenges. In sessions she listens, helps set small goals, and practices techniques together. She offers coaching-style support when clients want guidance on motivation, career choices, or building confidence.

Her approach is simple and action-oriented so parents and busy adults can fit progress into daily life. Shalonda emphasizes a steady, respectful pace. She helps people take the first steps and keeps focus on what matters most to them.

Over time she helps clients turn new skills into lasting routines.

Evidence-based approaches for online support

Many clinicians use cognitive-behavioral techniques to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT teaches clear steps and practical exercises that can reduce anxiety, manage mood swings, and improve daily routines. Behavioral activation is another common method that breaks tasks into small steps to rebuild motivation and lift depressive symptoms.

Trauma-informed strategies focus on safety, pacing, and coping skills. These approaches help people process difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable and build tools for handling triggers and strong emotions. Both CBT and trauma-informed work are adaptable to problems like anger, parenting strain, and stress management.

Finding the right path is a joint effort. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques together, and adjust based on what feels helpful. This collaborative process makes it easier to match methods to specific goals, whether that is improving sleep, reducing panic, or building confidence.

Online sessions offer flexibility for busy schedules. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions work when video is not possible, and live chat or text-based messaging suit quick check-ins or people who prefer writing. These formats make it easier to keep regular work on goals without rearranging a busy life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
The clinician works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship and family challenges, trauma and abuse, parenting strain, anger, career questions, bipolar symptoms, coping with life changes, coaching, and ADHD.
What is the therapy style like?
Sessions are straightforward and practical. The therapist focuses on skills, small goals, and collaborative problem solving rather than long, open-ended talk.
How much experience does the therapist have?
She brings 20 years of professional work experience that includes individual and family therapy and work with teens and adults.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an MD and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, license number LC2775, and practices in Maryland.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Appointments can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Also works with

Experience
20 years
Licensed
Maryland
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Shalonda

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point