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Hello, I'm Dr. Bierma

My work is grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins with feeling understood. I trained at one of the country’s leading psychodynamic programs, where I developed a deep appreciation for the role of self-understanding, reflection, and the therapeutic relationship in helping people grow and heal.

 

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients to navigate challenges, better understand themselves, and create lasting changes in their lives. I believe therapy works best when it’s a collaborative process, one in which you feel comfortable being yourself, exploring what matters to you, and moving at a pace that feels right for you.

 

Additionally, I completed an extended fellowship in neuropsychological assessment and currently teach psychological assessment and psychodynamic psychotherapy at a local university in New Orleans. These experiences allow me to bring together clinical expertise, teaching, and research in a way that informs and enriches my work with each client.

 

My approach considers the whole person, recognizing that our emotional, psychological, and physical well-being are deeply connected. Above all, I want therapy to be a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported and a place where you can make sense of your experiences, develop a deeper understanding of yourself, and work toward the kind of life you want to lead.

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Services

Psychotherapy

Therapy offers an opportunity to better understand yourself, your relationships, and the experiences that have shaped who you are. Whether you're navigating a difficult period, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of yourself, I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable exploring what matters most to you.

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My approach is collaborative and grounded in the belief that our early experiences and relationships influence how we understand ourselves and navigate the world today. Together, we can explore these connections, make sense of patterns that may no longer serve you, and develop new ways of relating to yourself and others.

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I believe meaningful change extends beyond feeling better in the moment. It's about developing a deeper understanding of yourself that you can carry into your relationships, decisions, and everyday life. I value the opportunity to work alongside my clients as they discover new perspectives, build on their strengths, and create lasting change at their own pace.

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Psychological Assessment

Seeking an assessment can come with many questions. You may be concerned about changes in memory or thinking, wondering whether ADHD or a learning difference explains certain challenges, or looking for greater clarity about your cognitive or emotional functioning. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences and provide thoughtful, individualized answers that can guide your next steps.

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Psychological and neuropsychological assessment is a particular area of expertise in my practice. I personally conduct each evaluation from beginning to end, allowing me to develop a comprehensive understanding of your concerns, history, and individual needs. I take the time to look beyond test results alone, considering how cognitive, emotional, medical, and personal factors may contribute to your experience.

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Areas of assessment include:

  • Neuropsychological assessment: Understanding cognitive strengths and challenges, including memory, attention, and other aspects of thinking.

  • Memory concerns, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia: Evaluating changes in memory and cognitive functioning to support diagnostic clarification and care planning.

  • Neurocognitive disorders and medical conditions: Exploring how health conditions may affect thinking, functioning, and emotional well-being.

  • ADHD and learning differences: Clarifying difficulties with attention, executive functioning, and learning.

  • Personality and emotional functioning: Developing a deeper understanding of emotional experiences, behavioral patterns, and interpersonal relationships.

  • Diagnostic clarification: Helping make sense of symptoms or concerns that may have multiple contributing factors.

These areas represent some, but not all, of the concerns I can help evaluate. Each assessment is tailored to the individual rather than approached as a one-size-fits-all process.

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I also recognize that assessments are often needed within a particular timeframe, whether for treatment planning, personal understanding, or other important decisions. I strive to make the process as efficient as possible without sacrificing the care and thoroughness it deserves. Expedited assessments may be available for an additional fee, depending on the nature of the evaluation and scheduling availability.

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My goal is for you to leave the assessment process with a clearer understanding of yourself, meaningful answers to your questions, and recommendations that help you determine what comes next.

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My Approach

I believe that understanding a person means looking at the whole picture. Our thoughts, emotions, physical health, relationships, and life experiences all influence how we feel and function.

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Whether we're working together in psychotherapy or through psychological assessment, I approach each person with curiosity, warmth, and respect for their individual experiences. I value collaboration and open communication, and I want you to feel heard rather than defined by a diagnosis, a set of symptoms, or a single experience.

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My role is to help you make sense of what you're experiencing, recognize patterns and strengths, and identify a path forward that reflects your needs and goals. If I feel that another provider or type of care would better support you, I'll help guide you toward the appropriate resources.

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Fees & Payment

My practice operates on a private-pay basis. I do not bill insurance directly or provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. This model allows me to structure care around your individual needs and goals, rather than insurance-defined treatment requirements. It gives us greater flexibility in determining the focus and pace of psychotherapy and in approaching assessment with the time and attention it requires.

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I also recognize that choosing to invest in your mental health is an important decision. I aim to be transparent about fees and the services involved so you can make an informed choice about whether my practice is the right fit for you.

Contact me

New Orleans, LA
Pass Christian, MS

Gulf Coast, MS

New Orleans, Louisiana therapist

Gulf Coast therapist 

Mississippi therapist

Psychological Assessment/Evaluation

© 2035 by Shane Bierma, PhD. Powered and secured by Wix 

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