Meet Sheila Burns

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Burns. 

Hi Sheila, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
In college, I started out as a business major, but quickly found a deep interest in psychology. I switched majors a few years in and have never regretted it. I worked at several Community Mental Health Centers in rural Michigan for 18 years providing services to some of our most vulnerable population. I truly admired the stamina for adversity and positive attitude of those I worked with. In the past five years, I have opened a private practice focused on the specialized treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety. It is my hope to facilitate the change that is needed in each person’s life to move them towards having the life they have dreamed of! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are always obstacles and challenges to achieving your goals. It is part of what makes us persevere. My approach to life has always been to find a way to overcome whatever obstacle is in front of me. As I aged, I have found you can also be proactive about what obstacles you place in your own life. These lessons have served me well and helped me to keep the end goal in sight. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I hold a Masters in Counseling, am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, a Licensed Social Worker, and a Master Addiction Counselor. I have over 24 years of extensive experience with mental health and substance abuse issues such as phobias, interpersonal and relationship issues, burnout/fatigue, anxiety, depression, and trauma, including treating first responders and veterans. I rely particularly on Evidence-Based Treatments and Promising Practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Approaches (CBT), Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, Multi-systemic treatments, Insight Oriented and Solution Focused treatment modalities. I believe we are resilient beings that have the power to overcome many adversities, leading to a clearer, positive sense of self. So often people live a compromised life that leaves them feeling unfulfilled, anxious, and unhappy. My passion is to help you overcome barriers and make changes towards having a more satisfying life. We are resilient beings that have the power to overcome many adversities, leading to a clearer sense of self. In therapy, you can improve your overall mental health and sense of wellbeing by working through behaviors, beliefs, compulsions, thoughts, and emotions.  

I offer counseling that is deeply compassionate, non-judgmental, authentic, and confidential. My counseling style is strength-based, supportive and empowering while motivating you to make identified changes which will lead to success. Choosing a counselor and entering a treatment relationship can seem overwhelming at first but taking that step can be your first movement towards a better life. We have a group of highly trained, experienced professionals ready to help you and your family. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Ann Arbor is a beautiful, progressive city that offers innovative medical interventions, including behavioral health options.

My passion is for everyone to have access to effective mental health services. With current events the need for mental health providers has increased. Unfortunately, those seeking services may face waitlists and financial barriers to getting the help they need.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Refreshing-Waters.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refreshingh2os/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Refreshing-Waters-Counseling-Consulting-467765566890569/?ref=bookmarks