Hi! I'm Shanna (rhymes with banana). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (license #82447) in the state of Texas, holding a Master of Sciences in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oklahoma State University.

I have been practicing psychotherapy since 2019, independently licensed since 2021. Since starting my career, I have worked in a variety of settings; Denton County Juvenile Detention Center, Texas Woman’s University Counseling and Family Services Clinic, Carrollton Springs Psychiatric Hospital and two family therapy group practices. I currently own and operate my own private practice and work part time as a Clinical Skills trainer for F1RST; which educates first responders on the neurobiology of stress/trauma, and teaching skills to mitigate impact of those stresses at home/in their relationships.

I utilize a range of methods molded to fit my client’s needs included but not limited to; SAFE Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Attachment Theory, Poly Vagal Theory, Mindfulness Based Interventions, Solutions Focused/Brief Therapy and more.

I consider myself a well-read therapist and recommend many books to my clients! When I commute to my office, I often use that time to listen to educational podcasts, audiobooks or I am Marco Polo-ing with other therapist friends discussing work/education/experience gaps! I love to learn and am particularly interested in learning more about gentle parenting, attachment styles in marriage, nervous system function, the development of addiction issues in humans, nature/nurture of personality/resilience, complex trauma and I’m excited to see the impact on children being raised by a generation of emotionally healthy parents. I am currently working on my CCTP (certified clinical trauma professional) level one certification.  

Personally, I am a runner (working towards a Boston Marathon qualifying time of 3:25), am married to my wonderful firefighter husband of 9 years, dog mom to a German Shepherd named Captain (my SOUL dog), and cat mom of 3 cats (Winston, Killy and LT)! We live in the country, love the outdoors, and enjoy cross country road trips together. 

What defines my personhood the most is that I was saved by the grace of Jesus Christ on October 8th, 2023. I had a spiritual experience on September 22nd, 2023 while reading the Bible that left me changed by God forever. I could no longer deny my need for Him and surrendered my life to God's love in water baptism the next month. I identify as a follower of Jesus and have a deep love for Him and His teachings. Having said that, I know countless people have been hurt or abused by church or by someone who identifies as I do. I've been hurt by them too. Jesus grieves with us and intentional harm or abuse is never from Him. Church is a place for the sick, not the healthy. That's why (in my personal opinion) people get hurt often from "Christians/church people" or church in general... the truth is, there are a lot of sick people at church. Sick in the soul in need of a Saviour. That was me... but everyone who believes, confesses their sin and accepts Jesus' has the opportunity to be healed and transformed in relationship with Him. A ReLAtiONshIp wITh GoD?!? Who knew that was possible?? So. Freaking. Cool. Note, everyone has the opportunity for soul transformation, but not everyone cooperates with God in the process... this is why the hurting continues. 

Regardless of where you stand, you're welcome in my practice. I do not bring up, force, or "preach" my faith with clients. I will not judge you for your faith or your absence of faith in a higher power. I respect all people and honor whoever you are. Jesus wants everyone but not everyone wants Him, and that's something between you and Him. If you have no interest in faith, religion, are Atheist, spiritual, Hindu, Buddhist, or identify as anything else, I still welcome you into my practice. If you are a believer in Jesus and want to incorporate faith into your counseling work, feel free to let your Jesus freak fly!

I hope I get the privilege of working with you. :)