Licensed to practice in California and accepts 17 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Child or Adolescent, Grief and 3 more.
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Shanna, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I would describe myself as warm, supportive, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I have experience working with children, teenagers, and families, and I enjoy helping clients feel understood, supported, and more confident as they work through life’s challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and practical. I meet clients where they are while helping them build insight, coping skills, and healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, family challenges, and life transitions. Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, going to the gym, Pilates, and outdoor nature hikes. I also value continued learning and growth so I can better serve my clients. My goal is to create a safe, real, and supportive space where clients feel heard, encouraged, and empowered to grow.
In our first session, you can expect a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where we begin getting to know each other. We will talk about what brings you to therapy, what you are hoping to work on, and any concerns or goals you may have. I will also ask questions about your background, current stressors, strengths, and support system so I can better understand how to support you. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, heard, and not rushed. The first session is also a time for you to ask questions, share at your own pace, and begin building a plan that feels realistic and helpful for you.
I bring a balance of warmth, honesty, and real-life understanding into my sessions. My life and work experiences have taught me that people do not always need the same thing in therapy — sometimes they need a safe space to sit, feel, and be heard, and other times they need gentle challenge, accountability, or help seeing things from a different perspective. I try to meet each client where they are. I can sit quietly with someone in a difficult moment, but I can also ask thoughtful questions and respectfully challenge patterns that may be keeping them stuck. My goal is to create a space that feels supportive, real, and honest, where clients feel cared for while also feeling encouraged to grow.
My ideal client is someone who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward, but is open to support and personal growth. I am best positioned to serve individuals, children, teens, and families who are navigating stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, or difficulties with emotional regulation. I enjoy working with clients who want to better understand themselves, improve their coping skills, build healthier relationships, and feel more confident in their daily lives. Whether a client is just beginning therapy or returning after previous experiences, I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change.
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
Anthem
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Scripps Health Plan
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In my practice, I support clients in identifying unhelpful thought patterns, exploring how these thoughts impact their mood and choices, and developing healthier coping skills. I use CBT in a collaborative and practical way, helping clients build awareness, challenge negative self-talk, and create realistic strategies they can use outside of session to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
I use Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) to support young children and their caregivers in strengthening their relationship, improving emotional connection, and helping the child feel safe and understood. In my practice, I work with both the child and caregiver together to explore how stress, trauma, family changes, or difficult experiences may be impacting the child’s emotions and behavior. I support caregivers in understanding the meaning behind behaviors, responding in nurturing ways, and building secure attachment. CPP helps create a safe space for healing, communication, and stronger parent-child connection.
I use grief therapy to support clients as they process the emotional pain of loss in a safe and compassionate space. In my practice, I help clients explore feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or numbness while honoring that grief looks different for everyone. I support clients in understanding their grief, identifying healthy ways to cope, and finding ways to stay connected to their loved one while adjusting to life after the loss.
I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore mixed feelings about change in a supportive and nonjudgmental way. In my practice, I focus on meeting clients where they are, helping them identify their own reasons for change, and building confidence in their ability to take steps toward their goals. I use open-ended questions, reflection, and collaboration to support clients in making choices that feel realistic and meaningful to them.