Hi there, My name is Shannon. Do you find yourself worried all the time? Your mind is in a loop and you don't know how to get out of it. Perhaps you worry about your health, your children, your job, or what people are thinking about you. More likely, you worry about everything and expect the worse possible outcome Anxiety can be immobilizing. You are in a constant state of fear and it can disrupt your sleep, ability to focus and concentrate and engage in meaningful activities and relationships. Sometimes you will alienate friends and family as it is hard to be present when you are always in your head. Also, being in a constant state of anxiety is so exhausting and disruptive it often leads to depression. Sometimes people get so bad especially if they have panic attacks they stop going places and their world becomes very small. I know anxiety. Whether you are coping with Generalized anxiety (worry about everything), Social Anxiety, or Panic attacks, I can help. Anxiety is the second most common reason people seek help. It is terrible when you are anxious or having panic attacks but anxiety disorders, as well as depression, are very treatable if you get help. I am a dedicated therapist with two decades of clinical experience working with people coping with anxiety as well as a variety of mental disorders. I know reaching out is not easy but here you are taking the first step! You will not be alone in this process, as we will work together to come up with a treatment plan that helps you manage your anxiety and allow you to enjoy life again.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
You can expect to find a therapist who will not judge you and will put you at ease with whatever you are coping with. During our initial visit, I will want to learn about you and your symptoms. I will provide you with resources, psychoeducation, and skills to start helping you feels more hopeful and calm. In our ongoing sessions, I will teach you tools and give you homework to help you manage your anxiety. I will expect you to use these tools and take some healthy risks. By the end of treatment, I expect you will no longer feel like a victim of these disorders as you will have tools to manage your symptoms and will be engaged in life again without the dread of worry, panic, or depression
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use a strength-based approach believing that most people are more resilient than they think and focus on your attributes as opposed to deficits or pathology. I use evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior therapy, Exposure therapy along with other methods to help you learn tools to help you cope not only with your current situation but help you throughout your lifetime. I do not believe in a one- fits- all strategy so we will work together to find approaches that work best for your situation and style.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I would have to say by my biggest strength is connecting to people from various cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds genders, ages, and the LGBTQ+ community. I strongly believe if you do not feel connected to your therapist it is hard to make progress in therapy, as it is a very intimate relationship, where you are trusting someone with information you may have never told anyone. It is a privilege I do not take lightly. Also, being a seasoned therapist, I have a lot of experience working with not only anxiety but a broad range of mental disorders. I am authentic. proactive and approachable.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Patients coping with adjustment issue such as a relationship problem, divorce, grief, infertility issue. I also like working with anxiety disorders and depression.