Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Shanta
I'm Shanta Cortez-Greig, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Smith College School of Social Work graduate with over 12 years of experience. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, major life transitions, and relationship challenges. My clients often arrive feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about who they want to become — and ready, on some level, to change. I bring both professional training and lived experience to this work, and I'm committed to creating a space where people of all backgrounds feel genuinely seen.
I draw on CBT, psychoanalytic principles, humanistic approaches, and Motivational Interviewing, tailoring every session to your pace, goals, and story. I believe, as the saying goes, you can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails. My work is about helping you develop exactly that: the insight and tools to move through hard things, not around them.
Wherever you are right now, you deserve a warm, nonjudgmental space where real change is possible. You don't have to have it figured out to take the first step. If any of this resonates, I'd be honored to work alongside you.
"I love helping individuals become the greatest versions of themselves. "
Get to know Shanta
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I was doing it naturally, so I figured I might as well make it official and become a professional.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
Discomfort is often a sign that it is working. When healing and growing, things usually become worse before they get better.
What inspires you?
The depth and diversity of life and the living!
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
During intake, I ask questions and gather background information, getting a sense of what you're carrying and what you want your life to look like. The first session is mostly about you feeling comfortable enough to talk; there's no pressure to have it all figured out. In the early weeks, we build trust and lay a foundation, moving toward your goals at your pace.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
I want to listen and receive to what they are telling me about who they are and what they need. This is communicated not just with their answers to the intake questions or their narrative, but also their non-verbal communication.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
Travel, outdoor adventures, play music.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I work best with people who want to grow.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I assess who the person is, what they want and what they need and use the tools for the job. I integrate a variety of approaches, depending on the situation. Furthermore, some clients need structure and skills; others need space to explore. I pay close attention to what's working and what isn't, and I adjust as we go.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
I bring lived experience to this work, not just credentials. I know what it feels like to navigate hard seasons and to need support that meets you where you are, without judgment. Cultural humility is central to how I practice as well. I don't assume I understand someone's world. I ask, I listen, and I stay curious. Every person deserves care that actually fits their life.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 10 years
- Graduating institute
- Smith College
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
Additional details
Practice information
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