Meet Dr. Cynthia Shaw, Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Founder of Authentically Living Psychological Services, PLLC

Dr. Cynthia Shaw is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Authentically Living Psychological Services, PLLC. She enjoys supporting clients navigate life’s messy, complicated, and often absurd realities. With years of experience in existential and trauma-informed therapy, Dr. Shaw believes the most transformative healing comes when we lean into life’s questions with authenticity, curiosity, and courage. As a consultation host on The Therapist Network and Co-Owner of The Tri-State Clinician Social, Dr. Shaw is passionate about sharing knowledge, connecting with colleagues,  and supporting therapists develop their own authentic, human-centered practices.

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A Diverse Background with Specialized Expertise

Before opening her own practice, Dr. Shaw completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship at Resilience Psychological Servicesin Chicago and her Pre-Doctoral Internship at The Behavioral Wellness Center in Philadelphia, where she worked with individuals navigating psychosis and forensic challenges. Her career spans organizations like Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare, Staten Island University Hospital, and Sankofa Psychological Services, where she gained experience across settings ranging from hospitals to schools to assisted living facilities.

Her broad training has equipped her to work with a wide variety of issues, from existential anxiety and identity crises to relational challenges fueled by low self-esteem or feelings of disconnection. Dr. Shaw is also certified in grief counseling, trauma, psychosis, and judicial issues, making her approach as deep as it is wide. Her dissertation on female sex offenders and the impact of community notification laws furthered broadened her understanding and capacity to make space for the human condition in all its forms. 

 

Therapeutic Approach: Existential, Relational, Trauma-Informed

Dr. Shaw rejects the typical "cookie-cutter" approach when it comes to therapy. Guided by lived experience, curiosity, and an intuitive awareness of the human condition, Dr. Shaw’s approach is rooted in Existential Therapy, combined with Experiential Processing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. This eclectic mix supports clients confront their stuckness, develop emotional flexibility, and build better relationships.

For Dr. Shaw, the therapeutic relationship is central to the work. It’s in that safe, authentic space that clients are empowered to confront their fears, question their beliefs, and discover a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. Her direct, non-structured, and person-centered style fosters exploration and growth, with no judgment—just genuine, empathic support.

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Specializing in Identity, Purpose, & Relational Growth

Dr. Shaw thrives in helping individuals who feel lost or overwhelmed by existential dread, struggling with their identity or purpose. She works with people navigating major life transitions, processing grief, or working through relational difficulties that stem from low self-worth or disconnect. Whether you’re trying to figure out who you really are or how to find more meaningful connections with others, Dr. Shaw’s compassionate, open-minded, and straightforward approach provides the clarity and support you need.

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A Personal Philosophy for Healing

At the heart of Dr. Shaw’s work is the belief that therapy isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about discovering yourself and creating a life that feels worth living. She emphasizes personal responsibility, self-awareness, and living authentically as key ingredients in transforming pain into meaning and towards the development of connectivity with yourself, others, and the world around you. Her clients describe her as relatable, motivating, and deeply empathetic, qualities that make her a relatable, inspiring, and genuine therapist able to compassionately guide and support you throughout your therapeutic journey and beyond.

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Get in Touch with Dr. Cynthia Shaw

If you’re ready to explore the big questions in life and get in touch with a deeper self-understanding, Dr. Shaw is currently accepting new clients. Contact Authentically Living Psychological Services, PLLC to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward growth and self-discovery.