Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

There is hope! Although the path may seem like a challenge, growth and healing are possible. Quite often, the path to healing will not unfold the way we want (or expect). Many times, God uses other people in our lives, such as counselors, to help us along our journey. Growth and healing also take time. Even though we desperately desire instant relief, often it is a process. One step at a time. I honor and cherish this process with you because this is where the good stuff happens. The gifts of learning, insight, and reconciliation happen here. And they can be life-changing.

One of my foundational beliefs is that many of our wounds happen within a relationship–and in response to that, true, lasting healing also happens within relationship. We were wired for connection. It makes sense that we deeply desire healthy relationships. It’s the way we were designed! The counseling relationship provides a safe space and opportunity to experience, learn, build, and foster healthy connections and relationships with ourselves, others, and God.

Rather than simply addressing the hurtful, destructive, or unhealthy outward symptoms that show up (in our relationships, behaviors, and personal performance), I believe it is essential to address the root of our pain, hurt, or struggles, and the difficult pieces of our story. When we address these things, we are able to tend to our hurt and broken parts so that we may heal, grow, and thrive. 

Just as we nurture a plant through the soil at its roots, we also need to be nurtured and fed at our roots through grace, truth, and time. The results will bring healthier and more abundant fruit to our lives. Ultimately, the goal of counseling is to help us move from simply coping and settling to restoration and redemption–into a more confident, meaningful, fulfilling, connected, and authentic life.

Expectations of Therapy

I am a relational being. My strongest desire is to deeply and meaningfully connect with you and offer my real, genuine, and authentic self to the counseling relationship. I am attentive, aware, and I love to listen. I offer support, compassion, respect, thoughtfulness, encouragement, trustworthiness, and my full attention and presence. It is one of my strongest desires for you to feel safe and understood in the therapeutic experience.  I consider it a great honor to connect and be with you in your pain and vulnerability, as you share and work through your own personal experiences, hurts, and struggles.

My style is collaborative, creative, exploratory, playful, and thoughtful. I aim to engage in real and meaningful ways that are helpful and beneficial to you as the unique individual that you are. In the process, I am considerate of both the brain and the heart, the behavior, and the emotions, in order to encourage and facilitate peace and meaningful growth.

Professional Experience

I graduated from Liberty University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I went on to earn a Master of Arts in Counseling through The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine in December 2020. Prior to that, I managed a small business where I functioned in a leadership role where I managed teams, resolved conflict, problem solved, organized, engaged creatively, and facilitated business and personal growth. I am a co-leader for Divorce Care® and have also served as a mentor to a high school youth group. 

Working through my own personal struggles within my own counseling has contributed to both my personal and professional experience, and is one of the most significant contributors that inspired me to pursue a counseling career. I have greatly benefited from my personal counseling experiences and have grown and healed in both seemingly small ways and in profound, wonderful, and immeasurable ways. My strongest desire is to offer you the same safe place and opportunity so you may experience your own peace, growth, healing, and transformation.

Personal Interests

I enjoy spending time with my two lovely and very active teenage daughters. And I love being outdoors – I’ll take the mountains or the ocean! I enjoy hiking, practicing yoga, taking naps (when time allows), listening to podcasts, and reading. I love spending time with family and friends and traveling and exploring at any opportunity that arises.

CHECK OUT THESE BLOGS WRITTEN BY SHANNON

-12 Questions to Ask Your Partner
–5 Ways You Can Support Your Partner in Therapy

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