Shatera Hillyer,LMSW

I am a licensed master social worker who is passionate about helping adults navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence, self-compassion and authenticity. I partner with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and recovery, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, relationship difficulties, grief, and major life transitions. I have a particular passion for supporting Black women+, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and others seeking culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. My approach is warm, collaborative, and strength-based, and I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their experiences without judgment. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Person-Centered Therapy, I help clients develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen communication and boundaries, deepen their understanding of themselves, and move toward meaningful, lasting change. I believe healing is not about fixing yourself, but about understanding the experiences that have shaped you, identifying the strengths you already possess, and creating space to live in greater alignment with who you are today rather than remaining confined by past versions of yourself or expectations that no longer serve you.

My specialties and areas of expertise:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma & PTSD

• Body Image Concerns

• Disordered Eating

• Boundary Setting

• Stress Management

• Identity Exploration

• LGBTQIA+ Concerns

• Women's Issues

• Personal Growth

  
  

Populations I serve (e.g., individuals, couples, families, adolescents, adults):

• Adults

• Individuals

• LGBTQIA+ Clients

• Black Women+

  
  

Treatment approaches or therapeutic modalities I use:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Person-Centered Therapy

• Strengths-Based Therapy

• IFS Informed Therapy

• Trauma-Informed Care

Educational background:

Master of Social Work from University of Maryland, Baltimore (2024)

Years of clinical experience: 4 years