Shannon Woods

Licensed Social Worker
Grief and Trauma Therapist for
Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Do you want to rediscover your strength and joy?

You’ve lived your life with an overwhelming feeling that you somehow don’t belong or maybe just don’t fit in, even among those who say they care about you. Maybe you find yourself feeling like the “black sheep,” or a skeleton in the closet. Perhaps you feel grief and shame over your own existence.

You are not alone.

I'm glad you are here.

My name is Shannon, and I am passionate about helping individuals, like you, to identify their strengths and feel empowered to be their unique, authentic selves. Together we will work to make you feel whole again. You belong to something bigger. Let me help you find your place.
As a bicultural individual born of a non-parental event/NPE, I am someone who truly understands the feelings of shame, isolation, and rejection. These feelings are not unique to me, or those like me. They are also felt by adoptees, individuals raised in foster care, and by those who experience familial rejection. Similarly, the very same feelings are common among individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Though the situations may be different, the feelings are the same.

As a clinician, I take a personalized approach to treatment, understanding that everyone’s experiences are their own. You are the expert on your life experiences. My job is simply to walk alongside you and guide you on your own path toward healing.
Often in trauma and grief work, things might feel worse before they feel better. My role is to sit with you when things get difficult and equip you with the tools to successfully help you navigate these feelings.

Additionally, I strongly emphasize building feelings of self-worth, purpose, and connection. This might mean recognizing and leaning into your strengths, building healthy and positive social circles, or finding connection in nature and the outdoors.
Much of my training centers around trauma and loss. I have had the opportunity to work with many individuals who’ve experienced the loss of parents, siblings, children, and pets. I have been fortunate to work with individuals who have experienced single-incident trauma, as well as those with complex trauma histories. While I am a trauma-informed clinician by trade, you can be certain that I also “get it.”

What Does Grief Counseling and Trauma Therapy Look Like with Me?

Treatment with me is as individual as you are. This might mean using CBT, Mindfulness-based practices, EMDR, parts work, or any combination of these modalities all while keeping your treatment goals in mind.

I will assess your presenting concerns and evaluate where you would like to see change or improvement. We will explore your life circumstances and determine what is contributing to your current state of distress. Together we will discuss what your goals for treatment are, allowing me to then develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

Through my experience as a clinician, I have learned that most people have some degree of trauma, regardless of age. Additionally, many disorders often co-exist alongside trauma. When you choose to work with me, you can be confident that you are working with someone with extensive knowledge on not only trauma and grief, but also anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, and gender dysphoria.

What is EMDR and How Can It Help You?

EMDR is a specialized form of trauma treatment that allows your brain to naturally heal itself. As a clinician, I will use specific tools to help the hemispheres of the brain communicate with one another to access traumatic, maladaptively stored memories and desensitize them. We will work to shift the memories into more positive, adaptive ones thereby decreasing the impact of traumatic triggers. The benefit of EMDR is not only decreased traumatic triggers but also being able to do so in a shorter period of time than traditional talk therapy.

People Start to Heal the Moment They Feel Heard

Over the past 6 years, I have had the privilege of working with many individuals who are struggling with overwhelming and complicated feelings and emotions. Individuals who lack the proper support in their day-to-day lives. I feel this has truly helped me to better empathize with each of my client’s unique stories. When you work with me, you can be certain your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. My top priority is holding space for you and helping you be the best version of yourself.