CERTIFIED MENTAL HEALTH COACH

Shakira Dinkins, BSW, CMHC (she/her)

• Burnout and Anxiety
• Mental and Emotional Wellness
• Life Transitions
• Authentic Self-Expression
• Goal-Setting and Behavior Change
• Cultural Identity and Belonging
• BIPOC and Marginalized Communities
• Workplace Wellness and Career Development
• People-Pleasing
• Self-Esteem and Confidence
• Relationships

Greece location (coming soon) & online anywhere
Openings currently available
$50 self-pay rate

Are you carrying the weight of everyone else’s expectations while losing sight of what you actually want? Maybe you know deep down what you want — but the voices of the world keep getting in the way. Or you’re standing at a crossroads wondering how to take the first step without knowing where to put your foot. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. I’m Shakira — a Social Worker and Mental Health Coach in training who genuinely gets it. I specialize in working with BIPOC individuals and other marginalized communities — people who carry the weight of the world and interact with systems that were never designed for them to thrive. Whether you’re facing a career crossroads, shifting relationships, or simply trying to figure out who you are outside of everyone else’s expectations — I’m here to walk alongside you. 

My coaching style is warm, grounding, and entirely client-led, drawing from frameworks in strengths-based coaching and motivational interviewing. Together we’ll explore what you value and how that shows up in your goals and everyday life, building momentum through small, manageable steps. I bring a deep understanding of the unique pressures that BIPOC individuals and marginalized communities navigate — not just professionally but personally. My approach is identity-affirming and culturally responsive, rooted in the belief that everyone deserves support that actually sees them. I lead with empathy and curiosity to ensure every session is yours and your voice is heard.

In our work together, you’ll set the speed and the direction. I’m here to help you find solid ground so that you can access your own strengths and inner wisdom and make choices that align with your values. Coaching is not therapy. My role is not to process the past or diagnose — it’s to help you find meaning in the present and build toward your future. Sessions may include conversation, reflection exercises, and practical tools to implement. As always, how we move toward goals is based entirely on what feels right for you individually and at a pace that feels safe for your nervous system. You’ve spent long enough carrying what isn’t yours. Let’s figure out what actually is. 

The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.

Abraham Maslow 

Get To Know Shakira!

Education & Training

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) from Roberts Wesleyan College and am currently completing my Certified Mental Health Coach (CMHC) credential through the Headspace Training Institute — an NBHWC- board approved program, with an expected graduation date of June 15, 2026.

I have specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Coaching, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness and Meditation, Behavior Change Theory, Identity-Affirming Practices, Culturally Responsive Care, Social Determinants of Health, SMART Goal Setting, and Values and Vision Exploration. 

I also bring 7+ years of direct practice experience working with individuals and families across coaching, case management, and community-based settings. 

CLIENT FOCUS

I primarily work with individuals from marginalized communities, like BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those who are “othered” due to mental illness or physical disabilities, to navigate life transitions – career changes, shifting relationships, or identity exploration. Many have already engaged in therapeutic work and are ready to focus more on action, goal setting, and building toward the life they actually want. I also work with anyone experiencing burnout, anxiety, or struggling to show up authentically in their everyday life. 

Therapeutic approaches

My work is grounded in Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Coaching, and Positive Psychology. I also draw on Behavior Change Theory including the Stages of Change model, Mindfulness-based techniques, Values and Vision Exploration, Identity-Affirming and Culturally Responsive practices, and SMART Goal Setting. I use an integrated approach based on what serves each individual client best. 

areas of specialization

I specialize in the following areas:

• Burnout and Anxiety 

• Mental and Emotional Wellness 

• Life Transitions

• Authentic Self-Expression 

• Goal Setting and Behavior Change 

• Cultural Identity and Belonging 

• BIPOC and Marginalized Communities 

• Workplace Wellness and Career Development 

• People Pleasing 

• Self-Esteem and Confidence 

• Relationships

What does a session with you look like?

Every session begins with genuine connection — checking in on how you’re doing and reviewing progress on goals from our previous session. From there we explore what’s coming up for you — your vision, your needs, and any insights that have surfaced since we last met. Together we use that exploration to set meaningful, manageable goals for the week ahead before closing with intention. I may incorporate practical exercises and reflection tools based on what feels right for you individually. Sessions are always collaborative and entirely client-led. 

How do I know if we’re a good fit?

Coaching works best for clients who are ready to show up with openness and self-awareness. You don’t need to have everything figured out — but a willingness to reflect honestly and take small steps between sessions makes all the difference. Most clients begin to notice shifts within a few months. You might find yourself trusting your own voice more, setting boundaries that once felt impossible, or finally taking steps toward a goal you’ve been circling for years. If you leave sessions feeling seen, challenged in a good way, and clearer than when you came in — that’s a good sign it’s working. 

Our Blog

Finding the Right LGBTQIA+ Counselor in Rochester

Finding the Right LGBTQIA+ Counselor in Rochester

Finding an LGBTQIA+ counselor in Rochester can get frustrating fast when every therapy website starts to sound the same. “Inclusive,” “safe,” and “welcoming” are good words, but they do not always…