Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Kentucky. I earned my Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2025 and have over 20 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those facing various challenges in their lives, including mental health issues, trauma, and socio-economic barriers.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where they can share their thoughts and feelings openly. The session will start with introductions to build trust and comfort. Clients will discuss their goals, immediate concerns, and any relevant background experiences that have shaped their situation. The session will also outline the process moving forward, covering the number of sessions, methods used, and what clients can expect. Throughout, clients will be assured that the environment is judgment-free, emphasizing confidentiality and honest communication. They will have the opportunity to ask questions or express concerns, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed. Overall, the aim is to establish a solid foundation for a productive and supportive relationship.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a service provider, my strengths greatly enhance my effectiveness with clients. Empathy allows me to create a safe environment where clients feel heard and validated. My active listening skills promote meaningful dialogue, leading to deeper insights into their experiences and needs. I adapt my approach to each client's unique circumstances, providing personalized support. Strong communication helps convey ideas clearly, promoting trust. My problem-solving ability encourages clients to identify challenges and explore solutions, while patience allows them to progress at their own pace. Cultural competence enables me to respect and understand diverse backgrounds, making my support more relatable. Lastly, my passion for helping others drives me to create transformative experiences for my clients, contributing to their overall growth and success.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am deeply passionate about working with both teens and adults as they navigate the various stages of their lives. This journey allows me to connect with individuals at pivotal moments, providing support and guidance tailored to their unique experiences. Whether I am helping teens build self-esteem and develop essential life skills, or assisting adults in pursuing their career aspirations and personal growth, I find immense fulfillment in empowering others to realize their potential. Every interaction is an opportunity to promote resilience, encourage self-discovery, and inspire positive change. My goal is to help individuals explore their challenges and celebrate their successes by creating a safe and supportive environment. My commitment to lifelong learning and personal development fuels my desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those I work with.
About Shannon Woods
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
My experience with SFBT involves using it as a practical and efficient method to help clients identify their strengths and resources, enabling them to envision their desired outcomes and take actionable steps toward achieving those goals. In practice, I often begin sessions by asking clients about their ideal future: "What would be different in your life if you woke up tomorrow and your problem was solved?" This question encourages them to articulate their goals and dreams. I help them recognize small changes they can make, promoting a sense of agency and empowerment. I also use scaling questions, asking clients to rate their progress or feelings on a scale from 1 to 10. This technique allows them to assess their current situation and identify small steps they can take to move closer to their desired outcome.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has demonstrated its effectiveness in helping clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which enables them to develop healthier coping mechanisms. In practice, I often start by assisting clients in identifying specific negative thoughts or cognitive distortions they may have, such as all-or-nothing thinking or catastrophizing. For example, I might ask, "What evidence do you have that supports this thought?" This encourages clients to critically assess their beliefs and consider alternative perspectives. I also incorporate behavioral activation techniques, prompting clients to engage in activities that promote positive feelings or provide a sense of achievement. For instance, if a client feels depressed and isolated, I might suggest scheduling enjoyable activities or social interactions to help counteract those feelings.
Strength-Based
My experience with this method has shown that emphasizing strengths can empower clients and enhance their self-esteem, making it a valuable tool in my practice. During sessions, I begin by exploring clients' strengths and past successes. I ask questions like, “What have you accomplished in the past that you are proud of?” or “What personal qualities do you believe have helped you overcome challenges?” This process helps clients recognize their capabilities and resources, laying a foundation for building confidence. I also encourage clients to set goals based on their strengths. For instance, if a client identifies strong communication skills, we explore how they can leverage this strength to improve relationships or navigate difficult conversations. By focusing on their abilities, clients often feel more motivated and capable of tackling their challenges.