Shaa-Ista Simmons-Wilcox

Compassionate CBT-informed care for life transitions

LMSW Michigan

Experience: 3 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Shaa-Ista

Shaa-Ista Simmons-Wilcox is a licensed social worker (LMSW) who blends practical skill-building with empathic listening to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and career challenges.

Background and approach

She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as acceptance-oriented and attachment-informed approaches to support clients in identifying unhelpful patterns and developing clearer coping strategies. With three years of professional experience in Michigan, she focuses on building a collaborative space where worries about motivation, self-esteem, and confidence can be explored and addressed.

Her work emphasizes creating an open atmosphere that encourages honest expression without judgment, and she adapts interventions to the concerns a client brings. In addition to common presenting issues such as anxiety and mood concerns, her practice includes attention to relationship and attachment dynamics, caregiver stress, body image, and end-of-life or hospice-related matters.

Prospective clients are invited to take the first step through a straightforward matching and scheduling process, and she acknowledges the courage it takes to begin therapy.

Bringing CBT and Acceptance-Based Work to Online Therapy

Online sessions with Shaa-Ista combine practical Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques with acceptance-oriented interventions to address unhelpful thoughts, emotional avoidance, and behavior patterns; CBT focuses on identifying and changing thinking and behavior that contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps clients clarify values and build psychological flexibility, which can be useful for coping with grief, motivation struggles, and chronic stress.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each client to explore which methods fit their needs and goals, adapting sessions as understanding grows so that the plan evolves based on feedback and progress rather than being fixed at the start.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for people juggling work, caregiving, or mobility limits. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to integrate therapeutic work into everyday life through a range of interaction styles and scheduling choices.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she help with?

Shaa-Ista Simmons-Wilcox works with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem challenges, career difficulties, and depression, and also addresses related areas such as attachment issues, caregiver stress, body image, and hospice or end-of-life counseling.

How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?

Her approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with acceptance-oriented and attachment-informed methods, delivered in a warm, client-centered manner that emphasizes collaboration and practical skill building.

What is her professional background and experience level?

She is a licensed social worker with three years of professional experience practicing in Michigan.

Where is she licensed and what credential does she hold?

She holds an LMSW license in Michigan with credential number MI LMSW 6801106740 and practices with that credential.

Does she offer services in languages other than English or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

In what formats are sessions available?

Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules and preferences.

How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?

Cost varies depending on location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with her?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Grief Self esteemCareer difficultiesDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English