Hello, my name is Dr. Pamela Shannahan, I am a Doctor of Behavioral Health and a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been working in the counseling field since 2006 with focus on person centered, trauma informed counseling. I work with people of all ages of the life spectrum. I have specialties in infant and early childhood mental health to include parenting education and support; end of life counseling for patients as well as their families; individuals, couples, and families experiencing life/relationship challenges and mental/behavioral health struggles.
My approach
I work in several modalities and often a combination of them: CBT, DBT, and Behavioral. My focus is always person centered, systematic, and trauma informed.
My focus
I have experience working the people across the life spectrum (birth to death) with a variety of behavioral and mental health conditions to include: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, behavioral issues, disruptive behavioral and dissocial disorders, PTSD, Grief/Bereavement-to include perinatal loss, parenting support and education.
My communication style
I create a calm, safe, reflective and non-judgmental environment for my clients. Client feedback had noted that they feel safe, heard, understood, accepted without condition, and important.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have always been in a person centered career focus. In my early years I earned degrees and experience in Early Childhood Development and Education to include parent and teacher support with the child as the main focus. Continues professional, educational and life experiences continued to develop my skills, interests, and desire to become a Doctor of Behavioral Health to focus in helping people and families be the strongest, healthiest that they can be across all systems.
My goals for you
Goals are client driven and are set through communication between the client and therapist. These goals should be both short and long term and attainable. Clients goals may change during the course of counseling as they gain greater understanding of self, others and the world around them.
My first session with you
First sessions are usually information gathering in order for me to get to know my clients and understand what they are looking for. This is a time to begin building the therapeutic relationship.