Shanelle Damaso

LCSW, 8 years of experience

Clients say this provider is

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

About me

Many of my clients are thoughtful, capable people who appear to have it all together on the outside but feel overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck on the inside. They aren't necessarily looking for someone to simply listen. They're looking for practical tools, meaningful insight, and lasting change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of experience, I help adults navigate concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and the challenges that come with balancing life's many responsibilities. My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and personalized because I believe therapy should fit the individual, not the other way around. I believe you're the expert on your own life. My role is to help you better understand yourself, recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck, develop practical tools, and support you in creating meaningful, lasting change. As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, I value the role culture, identity, and lived experiences play in mental health. I aim to create an inclusive space where clients from diverse backgrounds feel understood and respected. For clients who desire it, I'm happy to thoughtfully integrate Christian faith into the therapeutic process. I also accept The Loveland Foundation Therapy Fund voucher for eligible clients, which can help reduce financial barriers to accessing therapy. I want therapy to feel like a place where you can be yourself while also feeling gently challenged to grow. Together, we'll build greater self-awareness, strengthen practical coping skills, and work toward creating a life that feels more balanced, intentional, and aligned with your values.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and decide whether we're a good fit. We'll review your intake information, talk through what's bringing you to therapy, and discuss what you'd like to accomplish. Together, we'll begin identifying goals and creating a plan that feels realistic, meaningful, and aligned with what's most important to you. We'll also review important practice policies, including scheduling, communication between sessions, and cancellation policies, so there are no surprises moving forward. I encourage questions throughout the session because I want you to leave feeling informed, comfortable, and hopeful about the work we'll be doing together.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe the relationship we build is just as important as the techniques we use. My goal is to create a space that feels genuine, collaborative, and comfortable enough for you to show up exactly as you are. Some sessions are serious. Others include laughter, moments of celebration, or creative ways of looking at a problem. Healing doesn't always have to look the same. I'm naturally practical and love helping clients understand why they're experiencing what they are, not just what to do about it. Whether we're using worksheets, videos, creative activities, or simply having an honest conversation, my goal is for you to leave each session with greater understanding, something useful to apply between sessions, and confidence that you're making meaningful progress.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with adults who are ready to better understand themselves and create meaningful, lasting change. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Many of my clients simply know that something isn't working anymore, and they're ready to explore it with curiosity, honesty, and support. You may be someone who spends so much time taking care of others that you've neglected yourself, or perhaps you're navigating a major life transition, feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, or trying to manage the emotional impact of stress, anxiety, depression, or a chronic health condition. I tend to work well with clients who appreciate both compassion and accountability. If you're looking for a therapist who will listen without judgment while also asking thoughtful questions, teaching practical skills, and gently challenging you toward growth, I believe we'd work well together.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Other specialties

ADHD

Self Esteem

Spirituality

Identifies as

Black / African American

Christian

Serves ages

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When one area is out of balance, it can impact the others, so we work together to identify where they might feel stuck and explore healthier patterns that support growth and well-being. My goal is to help clients shift unhelpful thought cycles, build emotional awareness, and take empowered action. I often say, “Positive mind, positive outcome” because no one deserves to live in a brain that’s constantly critical.

Solution-Focused Brief Treatment

I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients focus on what’s working now, what’s possible, and what the client wants to be different in the future. We set goals, explore your strengths and resources, and look for exceptions in your life when the problem wasn't happening or was happening less. This helps us find clues to what works. This is ideal for those who want short-term, practical, and fast-acting support in their therapy experience.

Attachment-based

Our earliest relationships often shape how we view ourselves, connect with others, and respond to life's challenges. Using an attachment-based approach, I help clients recognize patterns that may be affecting their relationships, self-esteem, boundaries, and emotional well-being. Together, we'll work toward building healthier, more secure ways of relating to yourself and the people who matter most.

Eclectic

No two people experience life the same way, so I don't believe therapy should follow a one-size-fits-all approach. I blend evidence-based practices with what feels most helpful in the moment, whether that's introducing a new skill, exploring what's weighing you down, practicing mindfulness techniques, or simply being fully present with you. I personalize each client's therapy experience to their unique goals, strengths, and learning style so our work together feels meaningful and practical.

Psychoeducation

One of my favorite parts of therapy is helping clients understand why they're experiencing what they are. I believe insight creates lasting change, so I enjoy breaking down psychological concepts into practical, everyday language that actually makes sense. Whether we're using diagrams, worksheets, videos, or other creative tools, my goal is to help you better understand yourself so the skills we discuss feel easier to apply outside of session. I don't just want you to leave therapy feeling better. I want you to leave understanding yourself better.

, 36 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

December 4, 2025

Shanelle was incredibly authentic, genuine, honest, and open today. It really meant a lot and made the session feel so real and trustworthy.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Shanelle

November 12, 2025

I didn’t know what to expect with my first intake with Shanelle however she made the experience very gentle and welcome. Highly recommend. Thanks for the support on this journey!

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Shanelle

September 30, 2025

“She’s an excellent listener who makes you feel like anything is possible. She’s incredibly motivating, a truly good therapist, and always helps keep you on the right track.”

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 5 with Shanelle