PuttingFamilyFirst

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SB Portrait of Shanita Burch
Online therapist

Shanita Burch

Calm, practical therapy for everyday family life

Credentials
MD, LCSW-C
Experience
22 years
Licensed in
Maryland
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Shanita

Shanita Burch, MD, LCSW-C, brings more than two decades of experience to her practice. She begins by listening to what matters most to a person, then helps build small, realistic steps toward change. Her work focuses on practical, doable strategies that fit into busy family lives and changing routines.

She approaches meetings in a straightforward way. Sessions center on the client's current needs - solving immediate problems, easing stress, and improving daily functioning.

Background and approach

She draws on tools from different therapy styles to match each conversation to what helps most. Her background includes long experience with stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, trauma, depression, and relationship struggles. She also addresses issues like sleep problems, self-esteem, career concerns, and caregiver stress.

This range lets her tailor conversations to common life transitions and difficult moments. Shanita uses methods such as client-centered care, cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused steps. These are woven into sessions to help people decide on priorities and practice new skills between meetings.

She works from Maryland and conducts sessions in English. The practice offers multiple remote formats so people can connect in ways that fit their schedules. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on the available options.

Therapy approaches and how they work online

Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person's point of view and building trust. In practice this means the therapist listens carefully and reflects what matters most, helping clients set goals that feel doable and personal.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches clear strategies to test unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, sleep problems, and low mood.

Motivational Interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change. Sessions use respectful questions and step-by-step encouragement to build motivation for things like reducing substance use or starting healthier routines.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, try methods that match the client's goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. This is a collaborative process where preferences and progress guide next steps.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into family schedules, reduce travel time, and keep continuity during life transitions. Licensed professionals can use these options to practice the same approaches used in person while allowing clients to choose the communication style that fits their daily life.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns are addressed?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family problems, sleep issues, anger, self-esteem, career questions, depression, and compassion fatigue.
What is her general therapy style?
The approach is practical and person-focused, combining listening with concrete steps. Sessions often blend problem solving with skill practice and gentle exploration of patterns.
How much experience does she have?
Shanita has 22 years of experience in social work and clinical practice working with a variety of life challenges and behavioral concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds an MD and is an LCSW-C, license number MD LCSW-C 26846, and practices in Maryland.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be held by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and needs.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Next step

Talk to Shanita

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