Hey there, I'm Shannan
Thanks for being here today, I hope this visit offers you some clarity around whether or not we could be the “right fit” for services because no amount of training or certifications can compensate for a “bad fit” in a therapist. It's totally okay for you to be selective when you’re working with a therapist because creating the life you want can really only be done when you’re led by someone who's a fellow traveler on the path to healing. My clients find comfort in the fact that I've lived it and "walk the walk." You'll experience a direct yet compassionate approach with me, a balance of irreverence & empathy, and benefit from my unwavering belief in the power of connection and self-compassion in healing. I created SBMFT Services out of my lifelong commitment to mental health and healing, so if this sounds like it could be helpful - keep reading!

How I’ll Work with You

While “fit” is key to recovery, I know that qualifications are an important element in this decision you’ll make - so here ya go: For three decades (yeah, I've been around THAT long!) I've dedicated myself to understanding the depths of human struggle and healing, from my own struggles to guiding others through their darkest moments involving dysfunctional families, trauma, depression & anxiety, divorce, and poor boundaries. I obtained a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, certification for trauma resolution (EMDR, Safe & Sound Protocol, Certification in Religious Trauma), certified as a specialist treating eating disorders, depression and anxiety. These “official” qualifications, however, are only part of the story. It's my personal healing journey and the lessons learned from it that truly define my approach to therapy. My life's work is to hold space for others' healing, to discover their strength, heal their wounds, and create whole-self healing and deep connections. Because I’ve done this myself and I have professional training - I’m uniquely qualified to help you.

How Did We Get Here? 

(this’ll be the name of my podcast if I ever get around to launching it!)

I’m gonna keep it real here, because honest transparency matters. I’ve had my share of self-doubt, insecurity, pain, and “drama” growing up in an alcoholic family. I converted to a religious cult for the apparent “stability and safety,” married young, and had four amazing children. Although my children brough me great joy,  I was also lost, depressed, anxious and looking outward for validation and acceptance.

By outward appearances, things “looked great” but inwardly, I was slowly breaking. I didn’t fully understand, at that time, the necessity of the inner work.

It took me many years to piece together my physical and mental wellbeing. I got divorced, worked full-time, and married my current husband and reconstructed my life. Together we have 9 adult children and 9 beautiful grandchildren. 

I’ve been through the ringer and can share with you the tools that transformed my life: self-loyalty, boundaries, clear communication, self-compassion, gentleness, radical acceptance, self-care and SLOWLY building a sustainable, healthy life. 

Your journey towards healing and self-discovery is deeply personal, and I’d be honored to accompany you through that. Together, we can navigate the complexities of your experiences to uncover the connection to your inner wisdom, empower your healing and create lasting fulfillment.

What People Say

Shannan was the perfect blend of high compassion & encouragement with a ‘no-nonsense’ approach. She really nails the patterns! She helped me at my lowest, taught me how to develop tools and skills not just when I have a problem, but skills for the rest of my life. I can’t say “thank you” enough!

CT, 1:1 Client

Shannan is so helpful and insightful, she listened and took foodback really well if something didn’t feel quite right. She’s ‘uncomfortably spot on’ in her observations. She’s respectful in such a way that empowers me to make my own choices. The skills I learned apply in so many areas of my life!

VR, 1:1 Client

Working with Shannan has been a game changer for me, I learned how I have misapplied values in ways that kept me in unhealthy relationships. I’ve learned to trust my body and feel whole again. I only wish I would have done this sooner.

HB, 1:1 Client

You are the reason I became more conscious of how I speak to myself, and what that narrative sounds like. Thank you for walking with me through my healing journey. I would likely still be in prolonged suffering, I want you to know the lasting impact you have made on my life.

Anonymous, 1:1 Client

After working with Shannan and putting together everything she has taught me, I now know hot to set and hold boundaries and how to observe others boundaries so that I can be aware and not cross them. It has strengthened my relationship with myself and with others, since now my guidelines are clear and others are too, I can trust those around me. And in the evening my boundaries are crossed, I can hold my own ground and stand up for myself. Learning what boundaries are and how they are applied in a healthy way has greatly improved my life.

JY, 1:1 Client

I can’t say enough about what a game-changer this type of healing has been. I really didn’t understand how important “body, mind, heart, and soul” was, but WOW what a difference. I feel whole and connected and even on my tough days, I know I’m just “having a tough day, not a tough life.” I highly recommend working with her, don’t wait another day.

CL, 1:1 Client

I’ll admit I was initially guraded – I’d done a fair amount of healing already and was studying to be a therapist myself when some additional wounds showed up for healing. But WOW, her “whole self healing” mantra made such a difference for me! I’d been doing ‘talk therapy’ for a long time but the body-based stuff helped me “unlearn to relearn” and repattern connection in a profound way. BEST decision I ever made!

SS, 1:1 Client

Knowing that Shannan’s been through the very thing she was helping me with was incredibly encouraging for me. It wasn’t someone who was “aloof” but she was always relatable. She was able to model for me because she’d been lost, self-betraying, and disconnected from herself. What a guide! I highly recommend working with her – it was truly life-changing for me. I really couldn’t afford not to and I’m proud of myself for investing in ME.

AA, 1:1 Client

When I first met Shannan, I was a little uncertain due to how frank and straightfoward she was. It felt unsettling to me at first, and then I thought, “Well, I’ve gotta do something different…and she’s different!” What I didn’t anticipate is how compassionate and non-judgmental she can be as well. She helped me feel connected to my senses when I’d been disconnected for so long. She’s taught me amazing things I can do for myself and that feels like a freedom to me!

JT, 1:1 Client

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