About Shannon
I hold an undergraduate degree in social psychology and a master’s degree in professional counseling. My professional journey, spanning from college to graduate school, led me along various avenues.
During my tenure in the public sector in Austin, Texas, I dedicated several years to delivering services to a wide range of families confronting various physical, environmental, and psychological challenges. My resolve to aid those in need was strengthened through providing support to individuals and animals enduring acute trauma during hurricanes Ike and Katrina. These experiences solidified my dedication to supporting oppressed and marginalized communities.
With 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine and dog behavior, I’ve developed a profound understanding of animal well-being and the deep bond between humans and animals. As a positive reinforcement dog trainer, I focused on helping aggressive dogs become well-adjusted and happy companions by prioritizing trust-building and positive associations.
That experience laid a strong foundation for my journey to learn about horse behavior and obtain certification in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). Horses, renowned for their intuitive nature and healing presence, have become a cherished part of my life. I am excited to bring this depth to my work as a practitioner.
Since 2008, I have dedicated my professional career to studying and practicing psychotherapy, serving clients throughout my journey from Austin to Denver to Seattle. Grounded in empathy, empowerment, and a profound respect for each individual’s journey, my practice welcomes a diverse range of clients, with a core focus on supporting transgender, queer, and neurodivergent communities.
Therapy with Shannon
My goal as a therapist is to create a comfortable and collaborative environment where clients can explore behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that contribute to unwanted patterns. I believe in each person’s innate capacity for healing and growth and work to assist clients in discovering their unique abilities.
My approach is centered on empowering clients to shape their environment to align with their goals, rather than conforming to inhospitable societal standards. I customize my methods to suit each client’s unique needs, placing a strong emphasis on empathy, authenticity, and clear communication. Together, we identify effective strategies to tackle challenges and achieve their desired outcomes.
I am committed to creating a safe, affirming space where individuals can explore their identities, process trauma, and cultivate a sense of personal agency. Self-empowerment is a cornerstone of my work as a clinician. I acknowledge the impact of discrimination and marginalization on mental health and strive to empower clients to develop coping strategies and advocate within oppressive systems.While I have worked with a variety of populations, my primary focus is on supporting transgender, queer, and neurodivergent communities. I also have extensive experience in providing support for survivors of childhood trauma and sexual abuse, as well as individuals exploring kink/BDSM dynamics and polyamorous relationships.
In addition to talk therapy, I offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy on Vashon Island. If you’d like to learn more about this approach, please read on.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
I am certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) through The Equine Psychotherapy Institute and have integrated this approach into my clinical work.
EAP offers a unique approach to emotional growth and self-discovery when compared to traditional talk therapy in a number of ways:
- Horses possess remarkable intuition and self-awareness, making them adept at mirroring human emotions, behaviors, and energy.
- This work necessitates full presence of mind and body. Coupled with the nurturing environment created by horses, it provides a safe space for individuals to explore and process complex thoughts and emotions, thereby increasing self-awareness
- Horses primarily communicate through nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. This unique communication helps clients attune to the horse’s signals while also encouraging them to pay attention to their own nonverbal cues and how they affect others.
- Horses are highly attuned to human behavior and interactions, offering immediate feedback through their reactions. This feedback encourages clients to understand and respect boundaries, while also developing skills to effectively establish and maintain their own.
As an EAP practitioner, I prioritize the well-being and consent of the horses, observing their body language and behaviors to ensure an ethical and safe therapeutic experience for all participants. Horses are given the opportunity to participate or opt out of exercises according to their own free will.
I’m profoundly inspired by the healing potential of these remarkable animals and thrilled to bring this therapeutic approach to my practice on Vashon Island!
Services
I offer individual counseling for adults and adolescents, as well as group therapy. My expertise spans a wide range of therapy-related concerns, including:
- Gender Transition Support
- Gender Variance Exploration
- Queer Identities
- Neurodiversity
- Childhood Trauma and Sexual Abuse
- Complex PTSD
- BDSM and Kink Dynamics
- Polyamory and Open Relationships
- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
I am prepared and equipped to address these and a wide range of other issues in a compassionate and supportive manner.
Rates
$75 for a 90-minute group session
$180 for a 55-minute individual session
$180 for a 60-minute consultation
$200 for a 55-minute family session
$225 for a 60-minute EAP session
$275 for a 90-minute EAP session
I offer a complimentary 20-minute initial consultation to ensure compatibility and address any questions about the therapeutic process.
In cases of financial hardship, I have a limited number of sessions available at a discounted rate.
As an out-of-network provider, I do not handle insurance claims, but can provide the required documentation for reimbursement.
Accepted payment methods include cash, checks, or credit cards.
Location
I am currently offering therapy services through video format, which is HIPAA compliant and only requires a stable internet connection. While transitioning to telehealth may require some adjustment compared to in-person sessions, maintaining online meetings is the most effective way for me to prioritize my health as a high-risk practitioner. I greatly appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Additionally, I provide in-person Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions on Vashon Island.
