Hello I'm Shannon Smith, Founder/Owner of Peace Post Trauma. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist. I hold a Master of Science and Social Administration with a focus on adult mental health from Case Western Reserve University and I have 10 + years of experience in the mental health field among various populations. I'm passionate about my work and I understand the challenges of mental illness. I have dual roles, working as a civilian Therapist and serving as a Behavioral Health Officer in the Army. My personal and professional experiences have provided me with an array of useful skills, such as attention to detail and meticulous listening. I'm blessed to walk with my clients in their healing journey. It's an honor to hear unique testimonies of strength and resilience. If you are struggling with hardship and overwhelming emotions, please know that you're not alone. Together, we will identify your challenges and goals - where you want your life to be a month, six months, a year from now. Then, we'll identify options and strategies you can use to get there. I help my clients learn healthy coping skills to maintain a relaxed mind, body, and spirit. I believe in tailored intervention to meet each person's specific needs. I incorporate Christian values & Evidence-Based Practice to enhance the treatment outcome. Together we practice various techniques to reduce negative thoughts and uncomfortable feelings, making it easier to self-soothe.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to reflect on different obstacles such as anxiety, depression and/or self-esteem. I also assist with social skills, boundaries and communication, which will improve your quality of life and relationships with others.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Some of the clinical approaches I implement include Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I specialize in stress related disorders, such as PTSD. This condition is a result of exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence; directly experiencing, witnessing or learning of a traumatic event that occurred to a close family member/close friend, or experience repeated or extreme exposure to traumatic events. Some of the symptoms related to PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, intense physical or psychological reactions when reminded of the event, hypervigilence, dissociation, memory gaps, avoidance, negative beliefs about the world, self-blame, anger, guilt, fear, detachment, trouble focusing, sleep issues, etc. PTSD can be agonizing and debilitating, which is why I'm committed to helping people cope and live happy healthy lives.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I like to empower my clients to identify and embrace their strengths, becoming the best version of themselves possible. Sometimes all it takes is a little guidance to see yourself out of the dark and into the light.