Shadonna Banks
Counselor-in-Training | LADAC I | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student
119 Racine Street, Memphis TN 38111
Phone: 470-991-4088
Email: shadonna_banks@yahoo.com
About Me
Welcome to my clinical e-Portfolio. My name is Shadonna Banks, a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor I (LADAC I) and Clinical Mental Health Counselor-in-Training. I am passionate about supporting individuals and families as they navigate substance use, mental health, and life transitions.
This portfolio highlights my counseling philosophy, clinical experience, and ongoing professional growth as I work toward becoming a licensed professional counselor. My approach is grounded in empathy, clinical integrity, and a commitment to evidence-based practice.
Resume
Summary
A dedicated Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC I) experienced in delivering evidence-based interventions to individuals facing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and legal mandates. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University.
Professional Experience
For the People by the People Nonprofit
Intake Coordinator / Counselor-in-Training | 2017 – Present
Facilitated client admissions and performed detailed biopsychosocial assessments. Managed external referrals for mental health and community support systems. Upheld rigorous standards for clinical documentation and ethical compliance. Played a key role in crisis intervention, discharge strategy, and professional liaison with judicial and community agencies.
Mid-South Cosmetology and Barber Academy
Skills & Competencies
Director / Licensed Instructor | 2020 – Present
Substance Use Counseling • Trauma-Informed Care • Case Management • Treatment Planning • Ethical Decision-Making • Multicultural Counseling • Crisis Assessment • Clinical Documentation
Directly supervised instructional staff and delivered a comprehensive curriculum. Managed student competencies, regulatory record-keeping, and licensure preparation for the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Tennessee Academy of Cosmetology
Licenses
Professional Instructor
LADAC I, Tennessee
Anger Management Specialist
CPR/First Aid
Instruct and mentor cosmetology students in both classroom and hands-on salon settings. Develop and deliver engaging lesson plans covering theory, practical skills, and safety. Evaluate student performance and prepare students for state licensure examinations.
Education
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | GPA 3.86
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
BS in Applied Management | GPA 3.19
Professional References
Dr. Jenny Stone, M. Div., Ph.D. • 901-725-0056
Belinda Hardy, LCSW, MPA • 662-442-3946
Judge Veronica Cooper • 901-601-4460
Letters of Recommendation
To Whom It May Concern:
​
It is my distinct pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Ms. Shadonna
Banks. I have had the privilege of working closely with Ms. Banks at For the People
Counseling Services, where I have observed her professional growth, unwavering dedication,
and genuine commitment to serving individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance
use challenges.
​
Throughout the time I have known Ms. Banks, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional
professionalism, integrity, and compassion. She approaches every responsibility with
enthusiasm, accountability, and a sincere desire to improve the lives of those she serves. Her
ability to establish meaningful therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate
professional boundaries reflects the qualities of an outstanding counselor and emerging
behavioral health leader.
​
One of Ms. Banks' greatest strengths is her willingness to learn and continuously improve. She
actively seeks supervision, values constructive feedback, and consistently incorporates new
knowledge into her clinical practice. Rather than viewing challenges as obstacles, she embraces
them as opportunities for professional and personal growth. This level of self-awareness and
commitment to lifelong learning is uncommon and speaks to her character and work ethic.
​
Ms. Banks possesses exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. She listens attentively,
demonstrates empathy without judgment, and interacts respectfully with clients, colleagues,
referral partners, and community stakeholders. Her calm demeanor, professionalism, and ability
to connect with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds make her
particularly effective in the helping profession.
​
In addition to her counseling abilities, Ms. Banks has demonstrated remarkable leadership and
organizational skills. She is committed to strengthening behavioral health services within the
community through advocacy, program development, and collaboration with other professionals.
Her vision extends beyond providing quality clinical services; she is passionate about increasing
access to care, reducing barriers to treatment, and creating opportunities that improve the well-
being of individuals, families, and underserved populations.
​
Ms. Banks consistently demonstrates sound ethical judgment, strong clinical decision-making,
and a deep commitment to evidence-based practice. She approaches each client with respect,
cultural humility, and a genuine desire to help them achieve meaningful and lasting change. Her
dedication to professional excellence, combined with her compassion and resilience,
distinguishes her as an outstanding clinician and leader.
​
In summary, Ms. Banks stands out as one of the most dedicated, motivated, and teachable
professionals I have had the pleasure of mentoring. She possesses a rare combination of
intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, leadership ability, and genuine compassion.
She thoughtfully reflects on her experiences, actively integrates feedback into her practice, and
continually strives to become a more effective counselor and advocate for those she serves.
​
I am confident that Ms. Banks will be an exceptional asset to any organization, graduate
program, or professional opportunity she pursues. She has my highest recommendation without
reservation. I have every confidence that she will continue to make significant contributions to
the behavioral health profession and positively impact the lives of countless individuals and
families throughout her career.
​
Should you require any additional information regarding Ms. Banks' qualifications or character,
please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be pleased to provide further information.
​
Sincerely,
Veronica L. Jackson, LAPSW
Clinical Supervisor
For the People Counseling Services
119 Racine Street, Suite 105
Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: (901) 233-8866
Email: jacksonftpcounseling@gmail.com
Professional Development
Philosophy of Counseling
I believe that collaboration, empathy, and trust are the foundational pillars of effective therapy. Regardless of a client's history or current challenges, they are met with unconditional dignity. My role is to facilitate a safe, therapeutic environment where individuals feel empowered to explore vulnerabilities, deconstruct negative cycles, and establish proactive patterns of thought and behavior that lead to sustainable wellness.
Clinical Skills and Theory Development
My ongoing clinical practicum serves as a vital space for integrating theory into practice through supervised sessions, diagnostic assessments, and the delivery of psychoeducation.
Individual Counseling, Substance Use and Mental Health Assessments, Treatment Planning, Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Counseling, Relapse Prevention, Group Facilitation, Case Management, and Ethical Documentation.
Research and Scholarly Activity
My graduate education has provided a rigorous framework for exploring evidence-based research and academic scholarship. This training has deepened my mastery of ethical frameworks, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed interventions for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. I am dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning, remaining current with emerging clinical research to ensure the highest standard of client-centered care remains at the heart of my practice.
Professional Service Leadership and Advocacy
Effective counselors serve as bridges between clinical care and community well-being. Through my dedication to behavioral health, I am committed to promoting holistic wellness, supporting recovery journeys, and advocating for equitable access to mental health services across diverse populations.
Mentorship
In addition to direct clinical engagement, I am passionate about mentoring students and peers entering the behavioral health sector. By sharing practical knowledge and championing evidence-based ethics, I aim to empower future clinicians to cultivate professional resilience and clinical competence. My approach to mentorship is designed to ensure that the standards of compassionate and accessible mental healthcare are upheld by the next generation of providers through integrity and shared insight.
Wellness Plan and Self-Care
I recognize that maintaining my own well-being is essential to providing high-quality care. My personal wellness strategy involves regular clinical supervision, consultation, and intentional practices such as spiritual reflection and physical movement. By prioritizing my own emotional and physical health, I remain grounded and fully present, allowing me to be a more effective advocate and clinician for those I serve.
Psychological Fitness
Maintaining my psychological well-being is essential to being an effective counselor. Working with individuals who struggle with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma, and court-related issues requires emotional resilience and sound clinical judgment. I prioritize my own wellness through prayer, self-reflection, supervision, spending time with my family, and maintaining healthy boundaries between my professional and personal life. These practices help me remain emotionally present, focused, and prepared to provide ethical, compassionate care to every client I serve.
Cultural Diversity
Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals from diverse racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. At For the People Counseling Services, I provide services to clients facing substance use disorders, mental health concerns, legal involvement, and other life challenges. These experiences have taught me the importance of approaching every client with cultural humility, respect, and openness. I recognize that each person's background influences how they view treatment and recovery, and I strive to provide culturally responsive counseling that honors each client's unique experiences and values.
Genuineness
One of my greatest strengths as a counselor is my ability to build authentic relationships with clients. I believe people recognize when someone truly cares about their well-being. I approach every counseling session with honesty, compassion, and sincerity, creating a safe environment where clients feel comfortable discussing difficult topics. My goal is for each client to feel respected, supported, and encouraged throughout their journey toward healing and personal growth.
Flexibility
Working in behavioral health has taught me that every client has different needs, strengths, and goals. Many of the individuals I counsel are referred by the courts, while others voluntarily seek treatment for substance use or mental health concerns. Because no two clients are alike, I adapt my counseling approach based on each person's circumstances, readiness for change, and treatment goals. I integrate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, and psychoeducation to develop individualized treatment plans that promote meaningful progress.
Self-Awareness
As I continue developing as a counselor, I recognize the importance of understanding my own values, beliefs, strengths, and areas for growth. My graduate education and clinical supervision have encouraged me to engage in ongoing self-reflection and seek constructive feedback to improve my counseling skills. Remaining self-aware allows me to manage personal biases, maintain professionalism, and ensure that my focus remains on meeting the needs of my clients.
Patience
Recovery and personal growth rarely happen overnight. Through my work with individuals struggling with addiction, mental health disorders, and court-mandated treatment, I have learned that lasting change occurs at each client's own pace. Some clients are motivated to change immediately, while others require additional encouragement and support before fully engaging in treatment. I remain patient throughout the counseling process, recognizing that consistent support, accountability, and encouragement can help clients move toward healthier decisions and lasting recovery.
Empathy
Empathy is at the heart of my counseling approach. I strive to understand each client's experiences without judgment while acknowledging the challenges they have faced. Many of my clients have experienced trauma, addiction, family conflict, legal issues, or mental health concerns. By actively listening and demonstrating genuine compassion, I help clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to work toward positive change. I believe that empathy strengthens the therapeutic relationship and promotes trust, engagement, and successful treatment outcomes.
Amiability
Creating a welcoming and supportive environment is important to me because I understand that beginning counseling can be intimidating. I work to establish positive therapeutic relationships by being approachable, respectful, and encouraging. My goal is to help clients feel comfortable enough to openly discuss sensitive issues while knowing they will be treated with dignity, professionalism, and compassion throughout the counseling process.
Acceptance
Acceptance is a cornerstone of my therapeutic work, signaling to clients that they are valued as they are, without the pressure of immediate perfection. By fostering an atmosphere where individuals feel safe to share their authentic selves, I help them navigate their unique paths toward healing. This non-judgmental stance encourages deeper self-exploration and builds the resilience necessary for sustainable change and personal growth.
Professional Identity
My professional identity has been shaped by years of experience in behavioral health, leadership, and community service. As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC I) and a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Grand Canyon University, I have developed a strong commitment to ethical practice, client advocacy, and evidence-based care. Working at For the People Counseling Services has provided me with valuable experience conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, facilitating counseling sessions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals to support clients in their recovery.In addition to my counseling responsibilities, I have served in leadership roles that have strengthened my ability to manage programs, mentor others, and advocate for improved behavioral health services within my community. My long-term goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Director, where I can continue expanding access to quality mental health and substance use treatment while mentoring future counselors and promoting excellence in clinical practice. I view counseling not simply as a profession but as a calling to serve others with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to helping individuals build healthier, more fulfilling lives.