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Sheana Veitch-Harris, Therapist
I was born and raised in The Bronx. I have lived in The Bronx my entire life with my immediate family. My mother and father are both from Jamaica and came to this country in their youth. I would describe my ethnic background as a Jamaican-American. Born in America to Jamaican parents.
I started college education first attending Westchester Community College, after graduation I decided to go further and went on to Lehman College where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Finally, I ended up attending Long Island University where I am studying Social Work on the graduate level. I attend Long Island University located in Brooklyn, NYC where I am currently in the MSW Program. My concentration is in mental health with a focus on children, youth and families.
I want to do this work because I have a desire to assist others, especially those with behavioral and or emotional problems. My long term goal is to work in the school system (Department Of Education) which ultimately would allow me to help students gain access to the emotional, social and educational support they need. First by proper formal and informal assessment which includes gaining an understanding of cultural, environmental and socioeconomic situations that impact them as youth. I have worked with children and youth with various disabilities, as an Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA Therapist at the McCarton Foundation and also ABA Tree.
Being a Black woman myself, I feel like we can be underserved in our communities especially when it comes to mental health concerns. I feel strength can come from each other in our own community, this strength starts from within.
During my youth I encountered heavy colorism. Predominantly from other folks from within the Black community making fun of me for my darker skin tone. I used creative writing as an outlet for my pain, writing poetry. Eventually I enrolled in a writing high school that helped me to develop my writing much better.
My clinical approach is “Task-Centered Practice"; mainly because it's known for focusing on utilizing problem-solving models and solution-focused therapy. This type of therapy can work with students with disruptive behavior issues, and considering I have experience working with children on the autism spectrum/various learning disabilities, I think it relates well to what I'd like to do eventually down the line.
Clients experience me as an energetic and inquisitive person, who is big on creative expression, especially writing. Many clients have said they loved my enthusiastic attitude and appreciation of their writing. I led a writing class that encouraged my clients to get more in touch with their feelings.
I enjoy working with children and youth with disabilities and have been for the last few years. I am an avid reader and I love to learn.