Hi, I'm Shawnté. Enchanté!
An observer. A listener. A creative. A lifelong learner. And someone who believes there's always more to discover about ourselves.
Long before becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I was always curious about what made people behave the way they did. I was fascinated by others’ stories, their relationships, their experiences, and the many ways they express who they are.
I've always been an observer, a listener, and a lover of beautiful things. Nature, art, fashion, crystals, and creativity have always been part of my world. My curiosity about people and self-expression first led me to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, where I explored identity through fabrics, colors, textures, silhouettes, and my clients.
Eventually, that same curiosity led me somewhere else: into the fascinating world of human thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships.
Today, as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and soon Indiana, I have the privilege of helping people explore their own stories, question beliefs they've carried for years, and discover what it means to live more authentically.
We’re More Than the Roles We Play
One of the things I've come to appreciate about being human is how many versions of ourselves we carry. We're partners, parents, children, friends, professionals, caregivers, dreamers, and so much more. Sometimes those identities coexist beautifully. Other times, the expectations attached to them can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves.
I believe our experiences shape us, but they don't have to define every chapter that follows.
Much of my clinical work focuses on people-pleasing, anxious & avoidant relationship patterns, neurodivergence, and the beliefs that influence how we experience ourselves and others. I'm especially interested in helping people who have become so accustomed to being everything for everyone else that they've begun wondering:
Who am I when I'm not meeting someone else's needs?
That's a question worth exploring.
My Approach: Curiosity Before Judgment
I don't believe therapy is about telling you who you should become.
I believe it's about creating space to understand who you are, how you came to be, what you've learned to carry, and what you may be ready to change.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, existential but humanistic, and grounded in curiosity. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing (MI), tailoring our work to your needs, experiences, and goals. Literally and consciously.
I'm interested in the whole person—not simply a diagnosis, a symptom, or a particular behavior. That means making room for the influence of family, culture, identity, relationships, personal values, and the environments that have shaped your life. I also recognize that healing and self-discovery aren't always linear. Sometimes growth looks like making a significant change. Sometimes it looks like recognizing a pattern, setting a boundary, or giving yourself permission to rest.
And sometimes it begins with a question you've never felt safe enough to ask.
The Story Behind Enchanté
Enchanté has been part of my story since 2004.
What began as a fashion design business eventually evolved into handcrafted jewelry designed to allow creative expression and holistic wellness. Over the years, the name has followed me through different chapters of life, reflecting my evolving interests, passions, and purpose.
The French word enchanté expresses delight in meeting someone. For me, it also represents curiosity, discovery, and the beauty of connection.
Today, Enchanté Collective is another evolution of that original vision.
Instead of designing garments and accessories that allow people to express themselves outwardly, I've created a therapeutic space where people can explore who they are inwardly.
The medium has changed, but my appreciation for individuality, creativity, and the many dimensions of being a human being remains.
Beyond the Therapy Room
Outside of my work, I'm still that creative, curious person who loves nature, beautiful dresses, and finding inspiration in unexpected places.
I'm an avid reader, a gardener, a maker of things, and someone who enjoys spending time with family and friends in moderation, exploring nature, playing games, and getting lost in a creative project. I deeply value solitude—those quieter moments when I can reflect, recharge, and simply be. I also believe there's value in remaining a student of life, being open to new perspectives, and recognizing that we never have to stop growing.
A Little Curiosity Can Go a Long Way
You don’t have to arrive at therapy knowing exactly what you need or what you want to become. Maybe you’re navigating change. Maybe you’re tired of repeating familiar patterns. Maybe you’re discovering parts of yourself that haven’t had much room to exist. Whatever brings you here, my hope is that Enchanté Collective offers a place where you can feel seen, heard, challenged, and supported as you explore what comes next.
Come as you are. Let's get curious about what comes next. Enchanté💜.