Shavaun Scott

Shavaun Scott is a psychotherapist, author, and psychological commentator whose work sits at the intersection of trauma, human behavior, and the long arc of healing. For more than thirty years, she has worked with thousands of clients across some of the most challenging environments in mental health—domestic violence shelters, community clinics, substance abuse programs, forensic settings, crisis teams, and private practice. Her clinical life has been defined by bearing witness to human suffering with steadiness, compassion, and a belief in the transformative power of connection.

Shavaun’s writing grows out of that work, and out of her own story. Her memoir Nightbird chronicles a childhood shaped by secrecy, mental illness, and the rigid demands of religious fundamentalism; a young adulthood marked by escape, reinvention, and the pursuit of meaning; and a professional life devoted to helping others navigate their own darkest passages. 

Known for her honesty, emotional clarity, and refusal to sensationalize trauma, Shavaun’s voice is grounded, brave, and deeply human. She writes to understand—herself, the people she serves, and the systems that shape our lives.

In addition to her clinical work, Shavaun is a frequent expert guest on multiple media outlets, offering psychological insight into high-profile criminal cases, failures of protective systems, and the hidden dynamics that influence violence. Her commentary is trusted for its balance: clear but compassionate, authoritative without pretension, and always centered on victims and survivors.

Shavaun's writing blends her deep knowledge of psychology with a compassionate, accessible style that resonates with a wide audience. Her publications include articles, essays, and books that explore complex mental health issues, offering insights into the ways individuals can overcome adversity.