Hey there! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) living and working on the South Shore of Massachusetts. I received my Master's in Social Work from Tulane University in 2010. Since then, I have worked in a variety of settings (community, hospitals, schools) with children and adults providing trauma informed clinical services, both short and long term. I am excited to offer both virtual and in person counseling services in a very unique setting!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, we will of course get to know each other, review some important information regarding privacy and safety and discuss the top two things we need from each other in our work. (Hint: I will need honesty and humor.)
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am an experienced clinician, but I am also human. I leave judgement at the door, and bring extra humor and humanity. I will never know you better than you know yourself!
About Shannon Ahern
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
Above everything else, I aim to ensure that your safety and well being is the top priority in our work together. Establishing trust, valuing transparency and choice and building personal empowerment are all essential to my personal practice style.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a great modality to explore how your thoughts, feelings and behavior are all connected. Having used this method for over 10 years, I have seen how helpful it can be to uncover negative thought patterns that trigger specific behaviors. Developing an understanding of these connections help us manage challenging experiences.
EMDR
This is an evidenced based trauma treatment that can be used in person or virtually. EMDR is very structured. It uses bilateral stimulation to decrease the impact of traumatic memories that are stored in our body. I'd love to talk more about this modality with you!
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Sometimes, life throws us a curveball and we need someone to talk things through with. SFBT allows us to focus on a specific event or conflict that needs extra attention and guidance. I have been using this model for 12 years and like the practicality of it. The main goal is to find solutions that increase positive feelings and decrease distress. As a neutral, trauma informed provider, I aim to help you increase the things that are going well for you and decrease the elements that are causing distress or negative emotions.