Hello! I’m Shannon, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 13 years of experience helping individuals and families create meaningful change and build brighter futures. What sets me apart is my extensive experience in crisis intervention, which has honed my ability to remain calm, focused, and supportive in even the most challenging circumstances. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with confidence, empathy, and a deep understanding of how to navigate complex emotional landscapes. I specialize in relational functioning, neurodivergence, and navigating life stressors. Whether you’re a pre-teen exploring friendships, a teenager adjusting to high school dynamics, or an adult striving for greater self-awareness and connection, I’m here to guide you at any stage of life. My goal is to provide a safe, affirming, and non-judgmental space where you can explore the "why" behind maladaptive patterns and work toward solutions that empower you.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The initial session is what I like to call, the information gathering session. It is a time for you and I to get to know one another, while I gain a better understanding of what brings you to therapy. Sometimes the initial session can cause feelings of nervousness, uncertainty and even a fear of being judged as you begin to share some of the inner parts of yourself. It is my goal to help you feel supported and understood within this non-judgmental space. I like to meet each person where they are, so if that means telling me about your day...I want to hear it. If it is diving in to the inner parts of you, I am hear to guide and support you. Regardless of where you are on your journey of self-discovery and healing I am here to provide empathy and hold space for you.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

What sets me apart is my extensive experience in crisis intervention, which has honed my ability to remain calm, focused, and supportive in even the most challenging circumstances. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with confidence, empathy, and a deep understanding of how to navigate complex emotional landscapes. My calm demeanor allows others to feel an instant sense of calm. Additionally, I have an innate ability to pick up on non-verbal cues which allows me to recognize the space that a client may be in, even when they are unable to verbalize themselves what they are thinking or feeling. With over 13 years of experience, I work with each individual to create a plan specific to their individual needs, which eventually leads to a reduction of symptoms within the first month of services.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I take a solution-focused approach to trauma and mood disorders, incorporating evidence-based techniques such as CBT. When addressing communicative and relational challenges, I help clients examine how past relationships shape current dynamics, fostering deeper understanding and healthier connections. I have extensive experience working with crisis intervention, LGBTQIA+ children, adolescents, teenagers, young adults, adults, and older adults experiencing life stressors, familial conflicts, communication challenges, anxiety, depression and a host of various events that can impact ones way of functioning.

About Shannon Vanderberg