Meet Shaakira Haywood Stewart | Licensed Psychologist & Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaakira Haywood Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaakira, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I didn’t know I wanted to own my own business in the very beginning. I thought I wanted to go into academia to teach and do research. What I learned along the way was that I have everything within me to do what I want to do.

What should our readers know about your business?
My name is Dr. Shaakira Haywood Stewart and I am a Licensed Psychologist in the state of New York!

My educational career began at Northern Illinois University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. During my undergraduate career, I played four consecutive years on the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball team. This unique experience propelled me into seeking a graduate career in psychology to better understand the connection between athletics, mental health, and marginalized identities.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I began my graduate education at Loyola University of Chicago and received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. From there, I began working on my doctoral degree at the University of Denver and graduated with my PhD in Counseling Psychology. As part of my degree, I completed my Doctoral Internship at Pace University’s Counseling Center in NYC.

I have worked in a variety of settings with many different individuals. I have provided direct care to children, adolescents, families, young adults, and older adults. Settings that I have worked in include hospitals, schools, group practices, and universities across the country.

Regarding my theoretical framework, I have extensive training in psychodynamic and relational theories. Additionally, I have professional and research expertise in multicultural issues and how that intersects with mental health and therapeutic processes.

Further, from my personal and professional experience working with student-athletes, I hold a unique set of expertise. This expertise allows me to understand the daily life of a student-athlete, pressures and demands, family dynamics, and performance expectations. The shared empathy that I hold for student-athletes allows for a safe, inviting and transparent space for them to thrive.

What sets my private practice apart from the others is my emphasis on working with diverse people and my ability to relate to many people. I bring myself into sessions with others and believe people open up and can trust me and my process easily. I also bring a lot of enthusiasm in my consults and up to date research.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Harlem so I would first show them my neighborhood! 1. NBHD or Lenox for coffee and bagels
2. Walk down to Cafe Latte or anywhere on restaurant row for brunch
3. Walk down through Harlem and into Central Park
4. Sushi in Harold Square
5. Drinks and dinner in west village
6. Uber ride up the west side highway to catch the sunset

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother! She deserves all the credit and all of her flowers. She has been monumental in continually encouraging me and supporting me. She has never doubted me and always shows up and is consistent. I learned how to work and put family first through watching her.

Website: drshaakira.com

Instagram: shaakira.stewart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaakirahaywood/