FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Coaching, CBT-Informed Tools, Books & Emotional Healing Resources for Women
Have questions about coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools, healing after a toxic relationship, our books, digital workbooks, or the Rise & Reset Community?
You're in the right place.
Explore answers about Shawni McDonald's coaching approach, mindset and emotional wellness resources, personal growth tools, digital products, and support for women rebuilding self-trust and creating calmer, more confident lives.
ABOUT SHAWNI MCDONALD
Who is Shawni McDonald?
Shawni McDonald is a Certified Life Coach, author, mindset mentor, and CBT educator who helps women heal from unhealthy and toxic relationship patterns, move beyond survival mode, rebuild self-trust, and create calmer, more confident lives.
Her work combines lived experience with CBT-informed mindset tools, mindfulness, emotional regulation strategies, boundary work, and practical personal growth resources.
What makes Shawni McDonald's approach different?
Shawni's approach combines real-life experience with practical mindset coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, mindfulness, emotional regulation, boundary tools, and self-trust building strategies.
The focus isn't temporary motivation or simply telling women to "think positive."
It's about helping women understand their thoughts, recognize unhealthy patterns, regulate emotional responses, rebuild confidence, and make healthier decisions in everyday life.
Who does Shawni help?
Shawni primarily supports women navigating emotional healing, toxic or unhealthy relationships, narcissistic abuse recovery, divorce or separation, survival mode, emotional exhaustion, low self-worth, people-pleasing, boundary struggles, and major life transitions.
Her books and educational resources also cover CBT, emotional wellness, addiction recovery, relationships, teen mental health education, sobriety, and personal growth.
COACHING
What's the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching focuses on where you are now, where you want to go, and the practical mindset, behavioral, and personal growth steps that can help you move forward.
Therapy is provided by licensed mental health professionals and may include the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
Shawni's coaching uses mindset strategies, emotional wellness education, accountability, and CBT-informed tools to help women recognize unhealthy patterns, rebuild self-trust, strengthen boundaries, and take intentional action.
Coaching is not therapy, counseling, psychology, psychiatry, or medical treatment.
Do I need coaching to start healing or working on myself?
No. You can begin with Shawni's books, CBT-informed workbooks, guided journals, digital healing tools, free resources, and supportive community.
All self-guided resources are designed to help you build awareness, understand patterns, strengthen your mindset, and begin taking practical steps at your own pace.
Coaching is available for women who want more personalized guidance, accountability, and support.
Do you offer one-on-one coaching for women?
Yes, when availability allows.
Shawni offers select one-on-one coaching for women seeking support with mindset growth, self-trust, boundaries, life transitions, emotional wellness, and rebuilding after unhealthy or toxic relationships.
Availability is limited. Visit the Coaching page for current programs and openings.
How do I get started?
Start with the resource that best matches what you're experiencing right now.
Explore our free resources, books, digital workbooks, and Rise & Reset Community. If you're ready for deeper guidance and personalized support, explore Shawni's coaching and transformational programs.
You don't have to do everything at once. Start with your next healthy step.
CBT-INFORMED TOOLS & RESOURCES
Are your books and workbooks based on real CBT principles?
Yes. Many of Shawni's books, workbooks, and educational resources are based on established Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, including thought awareness, identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, cognitive reframing, behavioral patterns, coping strategies, and self-reflection.
These concepts are translated into simple, practical tools designed for everyday personal growth and emotional wellness.
The resources are educational and are not a substitute for therapy or treatment from a licensed mental health professional.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly called CBT, is a widely used psychological approach that explores the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
CBT principles can help us become more aware of unhelpful thought patterns, challenge distorted thinking, and practice healthier responses.
Shawni's educational resources use CBT-informed concepts in simple, relatable language to make mindset and self-awareness tools easier to understand and apply.
Can CBT tools help with negative thinking and overthinking?
CBT-informed tools can help you become more aware of automatic negative thoughts, question unhelpful beliefs, and practice more balanced ways of thinking.
Shawni's books and workbooks include practical thought-reframing exercises, guided reflection, journaling prompts, and mindset tools designed to strengthen self-awareness and healthier thinking patterns.
TOXIC RELATIONSHIP & EMOTIONAL HEALING RESOURCES
Do you offer resources for healing after a toxic relationship?
Yes. Shawni creates books, workbooks, digital tools, and educational resources for women rebuilding themselves after toxic, unhealthy, or emotionally exhausting relationships.
Topics include emotional healing, survival mode, trauma bonds, unhealthy relationship patterns, boundaries, self-trust, emotional regulation, self-worth, and rebuilding your life after divorce or separation.
Do you offer resources for narcissistic abuse recovery?
Yes. Many of Shawni's educational resources address patterns commonly experienced in emotionally abusive and narcissistic relationship dynamics, including self-doubt, manipulation, trauma bonds, confusion, boundary erosion, and loss of self-trust.
The focus is on helping women understand patterns, reconnect with themselves, strengthen boundaries, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
These resources are educational and do not diagnose narcissistic personality disorder or any other mental health condition.
What does it mean to be stuck in survival mode?
Survival mode can feel like constantly being on edge, emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, reactive, disconnected from yourself, or simply trying to make it through each day.
Shawni's resources focus on helping women build awareness, practice emotional regulation, strengthen self-trust, and create healthier patterns that support a calmer and more intentional life.
Can your resources help me rebuild self-trust?
Rebuilding self-trust is one of the core focuses of Shawni's work.
Through guided reflection, mindset tools, boundary exercises, CBT-informed strategies, and practical decision-making tools, our resources help women reconnect with their own thoughts, values, needs, and inner voice.
The goal is to help you stop constantly second-guessing yourself and begin making decisions with greater clarity and confidence.
BOOKS & WORKBOOKS
Which Shawni McDonald book should I start with?
Start with the book that best reflects your current season and the challenge you want help navigating.
Whether you're healing from a toxic relationship, learning CBT tools, rebuilding your mindset, supporting a loved one with addiction, strengthening a relationship, or helping a teen develop emotional wellness skills, each book focuses on practical strategies and guided personal growth.
Explore the Books page to find the resource that best matches your needs.
Are Shawni McDonald's books self-help books or workbooks?
Many of Shawni's books are 2-in-1 self-help guides and interactive workbooks.
Along with educational content, you'll find reflection questions, journaling prompts, practical exercises, mindset strategies, and guided activities designed to help you apply what you're learning to your own life.
Where can I buy Shawni McDonald's books?
Shawni McDonald's books are available through our website and select online retailers, including Amazon.
Physical and digital availability. Visit the Books page to explore current books, workbooks, and available formats.
COURSES, EXPERIENCE & MASTERCLASSES
Are your online courses self-paced?
Most courses and digital learning programs are designed to be completed at your own pace.
You can move through the lessons, exercises, and tools in a way that fits your schedule and current season of life.
How long do I have access to a course?
Course access varies by program. Please review the individual course or masterclass description for current access details before purchasing.
Do your courses provide professional certification?
Unless specifically stated, Shawni's courses, masterclasses, and educational programs are designed for personal education and growth.
They do not provide professional mental health licensure, therapy credentials, or clinical certification.
DIGITAL PRODUCTS, BOOKS & RESOURCES
Are the books, workbooks, and resources on this website digital or physical?
Unless specifically stated otherwise on the product page, the books, workbooks, journals, tools, and resources purchased directly through this website are digital downloads. No physical product will be shipped or mailed to you.
Digital products are designed to give you convenient access to practical mindset, emotional wellness, CBT-informed, and personal growth tools you can use at your own pace.
Will a physical book be mailed to me?
No. Products purchased directly through this website are digital downloads unless the individual product description clearly states that a physical product is included.
You will not receive a physical book, workbook, or printed product in the mail.
If a physical edition of a Shawni McDonald book is available, the product page may direct you to an authorized third-party retailer, such as Amazon, to purchase a printed copy.
How will I receive my digital download?
After your purchase is successfully completed, your digital product is delivered electronically through the website's automated digital delivery system.
You will receive access to download your purchased book, workbook, journal, guide, or resource. Please also check your email, spam, junk, and promotions folders for purchase and access information.
How quickly will I receive my digital product?
Digital products are typically available automatically after a successful purchase, allowing you to begin using your resource without waiting for shipping or physical delivery.
If you do not receive access to your download, please contact support@shawnimcdonald.com for assistance.
Do I have to wait for shipping?
No. Because products purchased through this website are digital downloads, there is no shipping or physical delivery wait time.
Your purchased resource is delivered electronically after your payment is successfully processed.
Can I print my digital book or workbook?
Yes. Many of our digital books, workbooks, journals, and worksheets can be downloaded and printed for your personal use.
You may print your purchased resource at home or through a local printing service. Printing recommendations may vary depending on the individual product.
Can I read my digital download on my phone, tablet, or computer?
Yes. Most digital resources can be viewed on a compatible phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer after downloading the file.
For interactive workbook exercises and journaling activities, you may prefer to print your resource or use a compatible digital annotation application.
Are physical copies of Shawni McDonald's books available?
Select Shawni McDonald books may be available in physical formats through authorized online retailers, including Amazon.
Physical book availability varies by title. Please follow the physical book purchase link provided on the individual product page when available.
Can I share or send my digital download to someone else?
No. Your purchase is licensed for individual personal use only.
Digital books, workbooks, journals, worksheets, tools, and other resources may not be copied, emailed, shared, distributed, uploaded, reproduced, or resold.
If someone you know would benefit from a resource, please direct them to purchase their own copy.
WORKBOOKS & DOWNLOADS
What are digital healing and personal growth products?
Digital products are downloadable resources designed to support mindset growth, emotional wellness, self-reflection, and practical personal development.
Resources may include guided workbooks, journals, worksheets, planners, boundary tools, mindset exercises, reflection prompts, and educational guides.
Because they're digital, you can begin using them shortly after purchase.
Can I print my digital workbook?
Yes. Most digital workbooks, journals, and worksheets are designed to be printed at home or through a local printing service.
Printing is recommended.
Can I share a digital download I purchased?
No. Digital products are licensed for individual personal use only and may not be copied, shared, distributed, reproduced, or resold.
If someone you know would benefit from a resource, please direct them to purchase their own copy.
RISE & RESET COMMUNITY
What is the Rise & Reset Community?
Rise & Reset is a free supportive community for women who are ready to move beyond survival mode, strengthen their mindset, rebuild self-trust, and create calmer, healthier, more confident lives.
It's more than a community. It's a space for connection, encouragement, honest conversations, practical resources, and women rising together.
Is the Rise & Reset Community free?
Yes. The Rise & Reset Community is free to join.
Is Rise & Reset a safe and private community?
Our goal is to create a respectful, supportive environment where women feel comfortable connecting and growing.
Members are expected to follow community guidelines centered on kindness, confidentiality, respect, and healthy interaction.
While we encourage members to treat shared experiences with care, no online community can guarantee complete confidentiality.
Who can join Rise & Reset?
Rise & Reset is primarily designed for women seeking emotional wellness, personal growth, mindset support, healthier boundaries, self-trust, and connection with other women.
We ask all members to respect the purpose, values, and community guidelines of the space.
ORDERS, PAYMENTS & DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
What payment methods do you accept?
Available payment methods are securely displayed during checkout.
We use reputable third-party payment processors to process transactions and help protect payment information.
Can I receive a refund on a digital product?
Due to the immediate-access nature of digital products, purchases are generally non-refundable unless otherwise required by applicable law.
Please review our Refund Policy before completing your purchase.
I didn't receive my digital download. What should I do?
First, check your spam, junk, and promotions folders for your purchase confirmation or download email.
If you still can't locate your digital product, contact support@shawnimcdonald.com for assistance.
PRIVACY & SECURITY
Is my personal information secure?
We use reputable third-party service providers and reasonable safeguards designed to help protect personal information.
However, no online system or internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Please review our Privacy Policy for more information.
Do you sell my personal information?
No. We do not sell personal information to third parties.
Please review our Privacy Policy for complete details about how information may be collected, used, and protected.
Does your website use cookies?
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, understand traffic, and improve the user experience.
Please review our Privacy Policy and available cookie settings for additional information.
MENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY
Is your content therapy, medical advice, or psychological treatment?
No. Shawni's coaching, books, workbooks, courses, and digital resources are educational and intended for personal growth and general wellness purposes.
They are not therapy, counseling, psychological treatment, psychiatric care, medical advice, legal advice, diagnosis, or crisis intervention.
Always consult an appropriately licensed professional regarding mental health, medical, or legal concerns.
What should I do if I'm experiencing a mental health crisis?
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, are in immediate danger, or believe you may harm yourself or someone else, seek immediate professional or emergency support.
In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Shawni's resources are educational and are not designed for crisis intervention.
Can I use these resources if I'm currently in an unsafe relationship?
Our educational resources can support self-awareness, reflection, and personal growth. However, if you are experiencing abuse, threats, stalking, coercion, or physical danger, prioritize your immediate safety and seek specialized professional support.
A trained domestic violence advocate can help you explore safety planning and local resources.
Do not rely on a book, workbook, course, community, or coaching program as a substitute for emergency assistance or professional domestic violence services.
BUSINESS, SPEAKING & PARTNERSHIPS
Can I collaborate with Shawni McDonald?
Yes. Shawni welcomes select collaborations with aligned brands, organizations, authors, creators, and professionals.
Please email hello@shawnimcdonald.com with information about your collaboration or partnership opportunity.
Is Shawni McDonald available for speaking engagements or podcasts?
Yes. Shawni is available for select speaking engagements, workshops, podcasts, conferences, interviews, and women's events.
Please contact hello@shawnimcdonald.com with your event, audience, proposed topic, and relevant details.
Does Shawni offer affiliate partnerships?
Select affiliate and partnership opportunities may be available.
Please contact hello@shawnimcdonald.com to express your interest and share information about your audience or platform.
CONTACT SHAWNI MCDONALD
How do I contact Shawni McDonald or get customer support?
For general questions, collaborations, speaking opportunities, or business inquiries, email:
For order, digital download, or customer support questions, email:
Visit shawnimcdonald.com to explore coaching, books, digital workbooks, free resources, and the Rise & Reset Community.
Still Have Questions?
You don't have to figure everything out at once.
Whether you're rebuilding after a toxic relationship, learning to trust yourself again, working on your mindset, or simply looking for practical tools to help you move forward, we're here to help you find your next step.
Find the support and resources that meet you where you are and help you move toward a calmer, clearer, more confident life.