Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum Student

RCSS Administrative Assistant

Shayla Grabic is pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida and is expected to graduate in 2027. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Child Psychology with a minor in Education from the University of North Florida in 2025.

Shayla’s passion for counseling grew from her desire to support others through difficult seasons, promote emotional wellness, and help individuals recognize their strengths and resilience.

 

As a first-generation college student whose parents immigrated to the United States from Bosnia in the 1990s, Shayla has a personal appreciation for the importance of culture, identity, belonging, and creating spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel understood and supported.

Shayla brings previous experience working with refugee populations, adolescents, and children. She has also volunteered in school settings supporting children with special needs academically and emotionally. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to compassion, advocacy, cultural awareness, and individualized support.

 

Her clinical interests include working with adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, identity development, trauma, emotional wellness challenges, and life transitions. As she continues developing her clinical skills, Shayla is interested in incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, strengths-based approaches, and solution-focused techniques into her work.

 

Shayla strives to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. She values collaboration, cultural awareness, and meeting each client where they are in their individual journey.

 

Shayla is also a familiar face at RCSS, where she has served as an Administrative Assistant. Her experience supporting clients and assisting with practice operations has provided her with a unique foundation as she transitions into her clinical training role.

 

Ultimately, Shayla hopes to become a counselor who builds meaningful therapeutic relationships, advocates for her clients, and helps individuals recognize their strengths and create meaningful, lasting change.

You may enjoy working with Shayla if you are looking for a counselor-in-training who brings warmth, compassion, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand your experience.

 

Shayla may be a good fit for individuals who are:

• Adolescents, young adults, or adults navigating life transitions

• Experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional overwhelm

• Working through self-esteem or confidence concerns

• Exploring identity, belonging, or personal growth

• Adjusting to changes in relationships, school, work, or other areas of life

• Looking for support with emotional wellness

• Interested in developing healthier coping strategies

• Seeking a supportive and nonjudgmental space to process their experiences

• Comfortable receiving services from a graduate-level counseling practicum student who practices under clinical supervision