I am a licensed masters level social worker who has a background working with children and their families, as well as adults, with overcoming barriers to support healing and growth. I received my Master's degree from Wayne State University with a focus in Psychodynamic Theory. I am also a Certified Trauma Practitioner through Starr Commonwealth with extensive experience working with school age children (k-12) and their families. I am experienced in working with children who have an ASD diagnosis, mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, sexual assualt, and grief/loss. My forcus on early intervention is grounded in empathy, understanding, and a deep belief in the resiliency of the human spirit. I work collaboratively with my clients, using a client centered approach, to assist them with building skills to navigate life's challenges. I am dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for clients to explore their emotions and develop the necessary tools to help them move forward.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session we will explore what brought you to therapy and what you would like to achieve with therapy. I believe in aligning treatment with client goals to best promote engagement and progress.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I approach therapy with an empathic stance. I create a welcoming safe environment for clients to discuss what is happening in their lives. I am always thankful and honored to be able to help someone build their skill set to assist them with healing and growth.
About Shannon Schmaus
Specializes in
Licensed in
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use the CBT modality of treatment to focus on reframing thoughts to improve your mental outlook for a more positive attitude. CBT can help create new pathways in the brain to reprogram negative thoughts associated with depression.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic Theory is rooted in factors that contribute to your overall mental health. These factors may be from childhood experiences, relationships or beliefs. By understanding these contributing factors and how they are influencing our current thought patterns, we can address them so they are not causing barriers to our present life.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused CBT is a short term intervention that focuses on children, adolescents, and their caregivers process traumas and related difficulties. It helps patients develop coping skills to deal with everyday stressors and build a sense of safety.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma Informed Care focuses on creating a welcoming, safe space for those who have experienced trauma. In this safe space, clients can explore how their trauma is affecting them and learn tools to assist them in coping and moving forward through the trauma. I am a Certified Trauma Practitioner through Starr Commonwealth and have found that this modality of treatment can be very beneficial when used as early intervention or even later intervention after a traumatic event.