Shawn Pedani, LISW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Shawn Pedani

Shawn Pedani

(he/him)

LISW
21 years of experience
Virtual

Hi, I’m Shawn. I help people who feel overwhelmed by their emotions-whether it’s anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, or just the constant mental noise that won’t quiet down. My approach is grounded, practical, and based in evidence-based strategies that actually work. I've found many people come to therapy trying to deal with the clutter in their head, either by scrolling on their phones or distracting themselves in some way. I'm good at helping my clients get to the root cause of what's causing their distress and take steps to resolving their distress. I’m easy to talk to, and I bring 20+ years of experience helping clients who are feeling stuck, overthinking, or just worn out from holding everything together. We’ll go at a pace that feels right for you-whether you need structure, space to process, or help getting out of your own head.

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

In our first session, my #1 goal is that you feel seen and heard-without judgment, pressure, or having to “get it right.” I want you to walk away feeling like you’re in good hands and that starting therapy here was a solid first step. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what’s brought you here, and what you’d like to be different. You don’t need to have it all figured out-that’s what I’m here for. We’ll take things at a pace that works for you, and I’ll make sure you leave with a clearer sense of what we’re doing and how I can help.

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

I’m the kind of therapist who shows up real, steady, and fully present. I’m good at helping people make sense of what they’re feeling-especially when emotions feel too big, confusing, or hard to explain. I don’t rush the process, and I don’t throw clichés at you. I listen closely, ask the right questions, and help you get to the heart of what’s really going on. I bring a calm, grounded energy to sessions and a good mix of structure and flexibility, depending on what you need that day.

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

I work best with adults who feel stuck in loops of anxiety, overthinking, and self-doubt. A lot of the people I see are the ones others count on-they show up, get things done, and look like they’ve got it together. But inside, they’re overwhelmed, running on empty, and constantly questioning if they’re doing enough. Some deal with perfectionism or people-pleasing. Others find themselves replaying conversations, seeking reassurance, or feeling like they can’t relax unless everything is just right. Many of my clients grew up in stressful homes where they had to manage other people’s emotions, and they’re realizing they still do that now-in their relationships, at work, or as parents. They’re tired of carrying that weight and want something to change. I specialize in helping people with anxiety and strong emotions, especially those who wonder if ADHD might be part of the picture. A lot of folks come in after years of trying to handle it all on their own-pushing through, staying busy, masking how hard things really feel-only to end up even more frustrated and stuck. I also work with people dealing with low self-worth, grief, and depression. Many feel like they’ve lost themselves trying to meet everyone else’s expectations, or they’ve built a life around staying busy so they don’t have to slow down and feel. Some are flooded by emotion and don’t know how to move forward. Others feel numb and disconnected, unsure what they even need. My clients don’t want therapy to be just endless talking. They want tools that actually help. I’m here to guide that process-helping you understand what’s really going on, break old patterns, and find your way back to feeling more grounded and in control. Therapy with me isn’t about “fixing” who you are-it’s about learning how to work with your emotions instead of fighting them.

About Shawn Pedani

Identifies as

Man

Specializes in

ADHDAnxietyDepressionObsessive-Compulsive (OCD)Spirituality

Serves ages

Licensed in

Address

5781 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319

Appointments

Virtual & in-person

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a bit different from CBT, but it’s still about helping you live a better, more meaningful life when you’re dealing with anxiety or depression. Think of it like learning to handle tough thoughts and feelings without letting them control your life. Here’s how it works: Accept Your Thoughts and Feelings: Instead of fighting or trying to get rid of uncomfortable feelings like sadness or worry, ACT teaches you to notice and accept them. It’s like saying, “Okay, this feeling is here, but it doesn’t have to stop me from doing what matters.” Separate Yourself From Your Thoughts: We all have negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this.” In ACT, we learn that thoughts are just words or ideas, not facts. You’ll practice seeing your thoughts as something separate from you-kind of like watching clouds float by instead of getting stuck in a storm. Focus on What Matters: ACT helps you figure out what’s really important to you-your values, like being a good friend, having fun, or helping others. Even when life feels hard, you can take steps toward what matters most. Take Action, Even If It’s Hard: Anxiety and depression often make us avoid things, but ACT encourages you to take small, meaningful actions-even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s like saying, “This is tough, but I’ll do it anyway because it matters to me.” Be Present: ACT also teaches mindfulness, which means paying attention to what’s happening right now instead of worrying about the past or future. It helps you stay grounded and focused on what you can do in the moment. ACT is about making space for the tough stuff while still moving forward with your life. It’s not about “fixing” your thoughts or feelings but learning to live alongside them in a way that helps you feel more free and connected to what really matters to you.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is like training your brain to think and act in healthier ways. When you're dealing with anxiety or depression, it’s common to have negative thoughts, feelings, and habits that make things worse. CBT helps you figure out these patterns and change them so you can feel better. I use an updated version of CBT called Unified Protocol (UP) which helps my clients who often have an aversive reaction to intense an uncomfortable emotions. Here’s how it works: Understand Your Thoughts: We’ll talk about what’s going on in your mind. For example, if you’re anxious, you might often think, “What if something bad happens?” If you’re feeling down, it might be thoughts like, “I’m not good enough.” Together, we’ll figure out where those thoughts come from and why they feel so real. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Once we know those unhelpful thoughts, we’ll work on questioning them. Is that thought really true? Is there another way to look at it? This helps you start thinking in ways that are more realistic and kind to yourself. Practice New Actions: Sometimes, our behaviors can keep us stuck. For example, avoiding situations because of anxiety or staying in bed all day when feeling down. CBT/ UP helps you take small steps to face fears, build confidence, and do things that make you feel proud and happy. Learn Skills for the Future: CBT/UP gives you tools to handle tough times. You’ll learn how to notice when those old patterns creep back and what to do to stop them before they take over. It’s a team effort. I’ll guide you, but you’ll be the one doing the work to make changes. Think of it like building mental muscles—you get stronger and more in control over time. It’s not about ignoring problems; it’s about facing them with tools that help you feel more calm, confident, and capable.

Attachment-based

An attachment-based approach is about understanding how your early experiences with important people in your life—like parents, caregivers, or other loved ones—affect the way you connect with others now. Whether you’re working on yourself or your relationship as a couple, this approach focuses on building stronger, healthier bonds. Here’s how it works: For Individuals: Understand Your Attachment Style: Everyone has a unique way of relating to others, based on past experiences. Maybe you feel anxious when people pull away, or you avoid getting too close because it feels risky. We’ll explore how your past shaped these patterns. Recognize Emotional Needs: Sometimes, people struggle to ask for what they need in relationships. This approach helps you identify and express those needs in a way that feels safe and honest. Heal Old Wounds: If you’ve been hurt or let down in the past, those experiences can leave emotional scars. Together, we’ll work on understanding and healing those wounds so they don’t keep affecting your current relationships. Build Self-Compassion: Feeling secure in relationships starts with feeling good about yourself. We’ll practice ways to build confidence and trust in your own worth. For Couples: Understand Your Patterns: Couples often get stuck in cycles where one person pulls away, and the other chases, or both shut down. We’ll figure out what’s happening in these moments and why. Share Vulnerabilities: This approach encourages both partners to open up about their deeper feelings and fears, like being afraid of rejection or not feeling valued. Sharing this helps you connect on a deeper level. Create a Safe Space: Relationships feel strongest when both people feel seen, heard, and supported. We’ll work on creating a safe and secure bond where you can rely on each other. Repair and Rebuild: If there’s been hurt, conflict, or distance in the relationship, we’ll focus on repairing those moments and building trust so you can move forward together. Whether for yourself or your relationship, this approach is about creating connections that feel secure, supportive, and loving. It’s like strengthening the foundation of a house—when the base is strong, everything built on it feels more stable and safe.