Shannon Kelaita
Therapy shouldn't be about fitting into a conventional mold; it's about building the skills, confidence, and ability to navigate life as your authentic self. Together, we will focus on gaining deeper insight and finding practical tools to help you feel stronger, more functional, and truly content, while developing a lasting sense of self-compassion.
Clear-headed problem solving and steady support for building the confidence to live as your authentic self.
My approach comes from 14 years of clinical practice across county behavioral health, schools, hospital social work, and medical clinics. While we will work at a pace that respects your comfort, I provide a balance of steady support and encouragement to help you safely step outside your comfort zone, move forward, and thrive.
First session
In our first session, we will focus on building rapport and getting comfortable working together. We will map out your goals and define what a better future looks like for you. Before you leave, I will make sure you have a specific tool or takeaway you can use immediately to start finding your direction.
Strengths
I combine a logical, big-picture approach to problem-solving with a compassionate, non-judgmental, and fair presence. I am trained in a wide variety of therapeutic methods and am skilled at tailoring them to fit what you actually need. Rather than pretending to have all the answers, I respect that you are the true expert on your own life, and I use my professional background to support your direction. I look for the potential and good in every person, and I am driven to make a meaningful difference in the world through my work. While I treat therapy as important, purposeful work, I also love to bring humor and a lighter touch to our sessions—because healing can and should be an uplifting, positive experience.
Ideal clients
If you are feeling stuck, unmotivated, or lost, it can be incredibly hard to see the good in yourself or feel like you are reaching your full potential. These feelings frequently make it difficult to function at your best or stay true to who you are in daily life. I partner with you to help clear away that self-doubt, recognize your true value, and build the confidence to move forward on your own terms.
Origin story
Having navigated my own journey through inner struggles, I know firsthand that healing and change are possible. I became a therapist to stand by people who feel left out or different, helping them find their true strength. My goal is to make the world a better place by empowering unique individuals to live fully on their own terms.
Ongoing work together
In our ongoing work, we will work together to tackle your goals and navigate life's challenges. As we keep meeting, I will help you look at your story and understand yourself on a deeper level, allowing you to recognize your true value. It is a steady, open space designed to help you process your experiences, heal, and move forward with confidence.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT helps you stop fighting difficult thoughts so they lose their power. We use anchoring tools to keep you present and handle challenges without getting overwhelmed. Together, we clarify what matters most so you can move forward with confidence.
Attachment-based
This approach explores how your early relationships shape how you connect with others today. We look at your past experiences to understand your current relationship patterns and emotional habits. Together, we work to build a secure sense of safety within yourself so you can form healthier, more confident connections.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps you notice how negative or stuck thinking patterns affect your mood and actions. We work together to catch those unhelpful thoughts and break the habits that keep you down. You will gain practical, daily tools to change your mindset and handle life's challenges more easily.
EMDR
EMDR helps your brain process painful or traumatic memories so they lose their emotional intensity. We use simple tapping or eye movements to help you untangle past experiences that keep you feeling stuck today. This process lowers the distress tied to those memories, helping you find relief and move forward.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS helps you explore and understand the different parts of your personality, like an inner critic or the part carrying stress. Instead of fighting these inner voices, we work to lower internal conflict and understand their roles. This helps you access your calm, core self so you can lead your own healing and feel more balanced.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 69741