LCSW, 8 years of experience
Hello, my name is Shamicka Cannon, LCSW, and I am passionate about walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered to create meaningful change. I believe healing and growth happen when we learn to understand ourselves, challenge unhelpful patterns, and embrace healthier ways of living. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing challenges such as: Anxiety, depression, and trauma Behavioral difficulties and emotional regulation struggles in children and teens Life transitions, stress, and relationship challenges Grief, loss, and unresolved pain from the past Individuals seeking personal growth, healing, and stronger coping skills Whether it’s a young person learning to manage emotions, an adult working through stress and trauma, or a family striving for stronger communication, I tailor my approach to meet each client where they are. Through our work together, my clients gain: Clarity and self-awareness about their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors Practical tools and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions Healing and resilience in the face of past trauma or current challenges Improved relationships through healthier communication and boundaries Confidence and empowerment to live in alignment with their values and goals Ultimately, my mission is to help clients feel more in control of their lives, more hopeful about their future, and more connected to themselves and others.
Your first session with me is all about creating a safe, welcoming space where you can begin sharing your story at your own pace. Many clients feel nervous at first, and that’s completely normal I’ll walk with you through the process step by step. Here’s what you can expect: Getting to Know You: We’ll start by talking about what brought you to therapy and what you hope to get out of our work together. Exploring Your History: I may ask questions about your background, current challenges, strengths, and supports to get a fuller picture of your life. Setting Goals Together: We’ll begin identifying what you’d like to focus on in therapy, whether that’s managing stress, improving relationships, healing from past experiences, or building coping skills. Answering Your Questions: This is also your time to ask me what sessions will look like, and how therapy can best support you. Building Comfort: Most importantly, the first session is about making sure you feel heard, respected, and comfortable in the therapeutic relationship.
What makes my therapeutic approach unique is the balance I create between compassion and practicality. I believe therapy should feel supportive and safe, but also give you the real tools and strategies you need to make lasting changes in your life. Ultimately, I provide you a space to be heard and unapologetically you with no judgement.
I work best with clients who feel like they’ve been carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders and are ready for something to change. My clients often share a few things in common: You may be tired of feeling stuck in cycles of stress, anxiety, or sadness, and you’re looking for healthier ways to cope. You might be a parent worried about your child or teen—whether it’s emotional outbursts, school struggles, or difficulties adjusting to changes—and you want them to have the tools to thrive. You may have experienced loss, trauma, or major life transitions that left you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. You’re motivated to grow, even if you’re not sure how just yet—you want to feel more in control, more at peace, and more connected to the life you imagine for yourself. If this sounds like you, then you’re exactly the kind of client I’m here to support. Together, we’ll uncover what’s been holding you back, strengthen your coping skills, and build a path forward that feels realistic, empowering, and aligned with your goals.
I have extensive experience utilizing the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model in my clinical practice. Over the years, I’ve completed formal training and continuing education on CBT techniques, focusing on helping clients identify and reframe maladaptive thoughts, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop healthier coping strategies. My experience spans working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and behavioral challenges.
I have experience applying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes psychological flexibility through mindfulness, values clarification, and acceptance-based strategies. My work with ACT has primarily focused on clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and difficulty adjusting to life transitions.
I have clinical training and hands-on experience using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), an evidence-based approach proven effective in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders. I guide clients in facing feared situations, thoughts, or sensations in a structured and supportive way starting with manageable challenges and gradually progressing to more difficult ones.
I utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI), particularly with clients who are ambivalent about change or struggling with behaviors that impact their well-being, such as substance use, treatment adherence, lifestyle changes, or managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. I create a nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their ambivalence.