Meet Cynthia Shaw

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cynthia Shaw. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cynthia, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

What I find interesting about this question is how everyone here takes risks every single day. The moment you wake up, decide to take a step out your front door, and carry on with your day is a series of risks. I see safety as something not guaranteed, as there is no telling what is going to happen next. We can blink and in a matter of a moment something unexpected can occur. I think this mindset has influenced how I move about the world when it comes to decision making and in risk taking. I trust in my ability to assess a situation, reflect on my values, consider my goals, and weigh what I am potentially willing to lose in whatever “risk-taking” decision I am considering. I think to develop the “ability” to take risks, is really to focus on better learning yourself, who you are, what is important to you, and how to navigate potential losses and anxieties that come with making decisions and in taking risks.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in existential topics, such as grief and disenfranchised loss, low self-esteem and identity development, and authenticity and relationship building. I often work with nostalgic thinkers, corporate professionals, college students, and adults looking to better understand themselves in effort to live a life that is value-driven and aligned, meaningful, and well-connected. As a PsyPact psychologist, I have the privilege of working with people in up to 40 different US states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Washington. I feel humbled being able to work with such soulful people who are committed to their growth and desire to make the most of their existence.

As someone who likes to have their hands in lots of projects, I also host consult groups on The Therapist Network, provide supervision to therapists in training, provide lectures on various topics, sell snarky existential merchandise, and am in the process of launching a podcast with a colleague of mine.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Self-Understanding: While we are constantly growing and developing as human beings, I think it is profound for us to have an understanding of who we are and what it is we find important. Knowing this, or being in an active process of exploring this, can serve as a guide as we navigate major life decisions, belief systems and opinions, and how we engage with others and the world around us. I also think this process makes room for self-grace as knowing one’s self is a continuous process and allows for fluidity and change.

2) Self Trust: On our journey towards self-understanding we are better able to trust in the decisions that we make and how it is we choose to move about the world. While decisions are never easy, and often come with loss and anxiety, we can take some solace knowing that we are making decisions that align with our values, beliefs, and personhood.

3) Self Love: I think self-understanding and self-trust is difficult without having love for ourselves. While we might not feel the most confident at times, may struggle with imposter syndrome, feel frustrated with our perceived shortcomings, accepting ourselves and taking care of ourselves is a major part of the process and towards living a satisfying life, despite the many many factors of existence that are outside of our control. I always tell my clients that we are alone with ourselves more than anyone else, and it can either be a nasty place to be or a place that is open to who we are and what we have been through.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

At Authentically Living Psychological Services, we are a team of compassionate and human-first clinicians dedicated to validating our clients’ world experiences, while on a joint mission to support clients better understand themselves, accept themselves, and live a life that feels intra, and interpersonally, spiritually connected, meaningful and aligned. We are currently accepting new clients across the tri-state area, AND are actively hiring clinicians who are equally interested in such missions.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Zencare

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Confidence
Building Blocks of Success: Confidence & Self Esteem

BoldJourney is all about helping our audience and community level up by learning from the

Confidence
Champion Mindset: Building Confidence & Self-Esteem

Every day, our team is focused on how to help our audience and community reach

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,