Share via email
Hello, I'm Shannon Secrist! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and I have a passion for working with people in all stages of life. My approach to therapy is client centered, open minded, non-judgmental with compassion and empathy. I believe everyone deserves a life worth living!
My approach
I have a very eclectic approach to therapy through a trauma informed lens. I recognize people want to feel better quickly and I pull from evidenced based practices of CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness, Relaxation, and Reality Therapy.
My focus
I'm comfortable working with clients across the lifespan children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors. I've provided individual, group, family and couples therapy throughout my career and have treated depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorders, anger management, substance use disorders, domestic violence, and life transitions.
My communication style
I've been described as warm, caring, friendly, non-assuming, accepting, and patient. I approach therapy with a great deal of humility and see it as a privilege that an individual, couple, or family are courageous enough to share their story with me and in return I strive to provide an environment that is safe to explore, grow, and learn about yourself so that you can become the best version of you! Therapy is hard work, I'm here to walk with you.
My journey to mental healthcare
I always knew I wanted to help people from a very early age. What that looked like changed a dozen times before I decided on a career. I do this work because it's vital to hold space for people who don't have another human they can trust to share their innermost thoughts and feelings without being judged. I'm driven with the knowledge, that mental illness doesn't decipher between black and white, rich or poor, sick or healthy, it just happens, and when it does people need a safe space to heal. My hope, my goal is to be that space for others. It's a beautiful gift to be a part of another human's healing process!
My goals for you
Clients are ultimately in charge of their goals, my job is to guide them in identifying the steps to reaching those goals and assisting them in recognizing the process it takes to get there. Together we can identify and address barriers, ultimately though it is up to the client to do the work to reach their goals. We can adjust as needed and openly discuss what may be blocking their progress to achieving their goals.
My first session with you
The first session will be spent with me asking questions to get to know what brought them to therapy, their history and what they are hoping to achieve as a result of coming to therapy. We will also spend time discussing what life will look like when therapy is no longer needed. There will also be an opportunity for clients to ask questions about the therapeutic process.
