Shannon Aldridge
Hi! I'm Shannon Aldridge, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families both online as well as in my private practice. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Augustana College in 1998.
As a wife, daughter, sister and mother, I understand the complexities of relationships and how our experiences shape our day to day functioning.
Shortly thereafter I worked for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services helping families to address and ameliorate issues impacting the safety and well being of children. I achieved my Master's Degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2005 while continuing to work with DCFS. My work in child welfare provided vast opportunities to work with populations struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD and Addictions. It was through this experience that I found passion in strengthening families and advocating for education, treatment and community supports. I ultimately shifted my career to private practice where I have enjoyed the ability to connect and effect change with individuals and families through a therapeutic alliance.
First session
First sessions can be intimidating, so please know that we will go at a pace that is comfortable for you. I strive to create a safe, judgement free environment for you to explore sensitive topics. If you don't feel ready to discuss certain subjects, it's ok! In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then transition into the specific challenges you're facing. This will allow me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. It can be helpful for you to have a few treatment goals in mind so we can be certain to the use the time in a way that will be most beneficial to you.
Strengths
As a wife, daughter, sister and mother, I understand the complexities of relationships and how our experiences shape our day to day functioning. As a clinician, I incorporate not only functional therapeutic strategies, but empower individuals to take control of their lives through connecting with their personal values system and taking the steps necessary to create a thriving life.
Ideal clients
I love working with individuals who are struggling to manage the complexities of their interpersonal lives. I find that oftentimes, the healthiest individual in a family system (or friend group) is the one most likely to seek support. Are the other people in your life the source of your anxiety or depression? Together, we can identify unhealthy patterns of behavior and work to help you create a life you love.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps people manage challenges by changing their thinking and behavior. Together, we will work to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, learn coping strategies and improve behavioral outcomes.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT helps individuals learn to manage their emotions and behaviors by teaching them to balance acceptance and change. Using a non-judgmental approach, I empower individuals to use strategies, such as mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing, muscle relaxation and meditation to increase their ability to tolerate distress.
Christian Counseling
Christian counseling integrates Christian beliefs and practices into traditional talk therapy. It emphasizes the role of faith in mental health and the belief that spiritual and mental well being are connected.
Gottman method
The Gottman method aims to increase intimacy, respect and affection and to improve communication and empathy in relationships. Typical interventions include building love maps, sharing fondness and admiration, managing conflict and creating shared meaning.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
Other specialties
ADHD
Anger Management
Coping Skills
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Grief
Life Transitions
Medication Management
Parenting
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Children (6 to 12)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
IllinoisLicense 149013513