Shannon Smith, LISW

Shannon Smith, LISW, offers steady support for people facing stress, grief, depression, anxiety, and the aftereffects of trauma. She writes plainly and listens closely, helping clients find practical steps to feel steadier day to day. Her approach aims to make coping skills feel usable and realistic for everyday life.

Shannon has a Master of Science and Social Administration focused on adult mental health from Case Western Reserve University and brings 10 years of behavioral health experience. She serves both as a civilian therapist and a social work officer in the Army National Guard, which informs her attention to detail and calm listening style.

Her work is person-centered and collaborative. She shares feedback gently and validates the feelings people bring into the room. Shannon uses tailored strategies so each session targets real problems, whether that means reducing panic, managing mood swings, improving sleep, or handling grief.

She draws on a mix of practical therapies and skills-based tools to help people manage distress and build routines that support recovery. Grounding exercises and self-soothing techniques are among the tools she may use to ease intense emotions and interrupt unhelpful thought patterns.

Shannon also integrates Christian values when clients want that included, alongside evidence-based practices. She aims to empower people to notice their strengths and use them to move forward one step at a time.

How therapy approaches shape online care

Shannon uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy to guide online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then clarifying values and taking small committed actions. It can help with chronic anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental relationship and listening; it helps people feel heard and supported while they make their own choices about change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shannon will talk with each person about what feels most helpful, try strategies in session, and adjust the plan based on the person’s goals and responses. The aim is to find methods that fit the person’s needs and everyday routine.

The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into work, caregiving, or travel schedules, shorten commute time, and allow for check-ins that focus on skill practice. Therapists can guide grounding exercises, teach coping skills, and support planning for day-to-day challenges in ways that work around a client’s life.