Dr. Shanta Pamphile
PhD, LPC, LMHC, CCMHC, NCC, ACS
Born and raised in the vibrant culture of Saint Lucia, a small island in the West Indies, Dr. Shanta Pamphile brings a unique perspective to the field of mental health counseling. As an immigrant, she understands the complexities and challenges of navigating life in a new country while holding onto her Caribbean heritage’s rich traditions and values. Her upbringing in Saint Lucia, surrounded by the warmth of community and the strength of family ties, deeply informs her approach to counseling and her commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and healing in her clients.​
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Dr. Pamphile pursued her passion for psychology and sociology at Grambling State University, where she earned her B.A. Her journey in mental health counseling continued at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she obtained her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also advanced her expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling at Montclair State University. Her professional credentials complement her academic achievements as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Additionally, she holds specialized certifications as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).​
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Throughout her career, Dr. Pamphile has also worked as a counselor educator, mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals. Her experiences in this role have solidified her belief in the importance of compassionate, culturally informed care.
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She has also dedicated herself to continuing education, becoming a Level Three Practitioner in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and gaining expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her commitment to social justice is evident in her specialized training in Decolonizing Therapy for Black Folks and Somatic Abolitionism, which she integrates into her practice to address the unique needs of marginalized communities.
At Free of Mind Psychotherapy, Dr. Pamphile has created a sanctuary for individuals seeking to reconnect with themselves and heal from the traumas that life has imposed.
​Drawing from her rich cultural background and extensive clinical training, she offers a space where clients are encouraged to listen to their bodies and discover their inner wisdom.
She believes that true healing comes from understanding and embracing the stories our bodies tell, and she is dedicated to guiding her clients on their journey toward emotional, mental, and physical well-being.​​
Our Team
Sophie Jibnie Ceus
MA, LAC, NCC
Sophie Jibnie Ceus is a dedicated advocate for mental health who spent her formative years in Haiti, where her passion for social psychology began to flourish. She started her academic journey at the esteemed Haitian University of Haiti, specifically at the Faculté des Sciences Humaines, focusing on the interplay between human behavior and humanitarian efforts. Throughout her teenage years and into early adulthood, Sophie became actively involved in various humanitarian initiatives, driven by a desire to uplift her community.
After relocating to the United States, Sophie continued her education and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in French, from Drew University. She later completed her Master's degree at Montclair State University. Today, she is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New Jersey, reflecting her commitment to supporting those in need.
​Sophie's initial exposure to psychology occurred following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Witnessing the immense suffering of individuals traumatized by the disaster profoundly impacted her. The emergence of various psychosocial services during this critical time opened her eyes to the importance of addressing mental health in the context of trauma.
Her approach to mental health is deeply influenced by her rich cultural heritage and extensive humanitarian work in immigration settings. Sophie believes an individual's multiple identities are interconnected and must be understood. This holistic perspective shapes her practice, allowing her to connect deeply with her clients and provide the compassionate support they need to heal and thrive.
During your sessions with Sophie, your therapist, you’ll explore various aspects of your identity and reflect on how they shape your experiences and perspectives. Along this therapeutic journey, Sophie emphasizes the importance of social justice, encouraging you to thoughtfully examine the societal systems that influence your experiences and the communities that contribute to your sense of self.
Together, you can expect to advocate for and craft a story and experience that better suits your place in the current world and beyond.