Dr. Shannon Lilja, D.BH, LPC, LMHC, CADC2, SUDP

Seeking a counselor is the first step, and a great beginning, on the journey toward regaining control over how you feel and how you interact with others. My work focuses on helping clients increase awareness and insight, develop skills, heal, and grow. Ultimately, achieving a renewed sense of energy, balance, and personal empowerment. Concerns of notable interest to me are related to relationships (romantic or friendship-based), communication, confidence or ego-strength issues (self esteem), life transitions, and-or getting 'unstuck' from patterns. I believe that our expectations get in our way of truly being free to enjoy who we are and how we live; and believe distractions are often unseen and often sabotage our goals. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and straightforward, with some levity (humor). I work with individuals and couples for brief work as well as long-term, more in-depth, therapy. I thoroughly enjoy the process of learning about people - what makes you, you? I find blending conversations around what isn't working with those around strengths - often those that have been ignored, clouded or lost over time - is a great way to become reacquainted with yourself. Learning about yourself, and about what makes you tick, can be a helpful exercise. It often leads to a different perspective, which can profoundly affect the way you communicate and attach to others (partners, friends, children, etc.), your ability to empathize, your sense of empowerment, and confidence. I believe the clarity you seek is possible. I consider it a privilege to be your therapist, and to work with you toward the goals you have in mind. I am an in-network provider on some insurance (not paneled with OHP or Apple, nor Medicare or Medicaid).

Depression, anxiety, communication struggles, relationship challenges, life-demands, separation-divorce, life transition issues, self-esteem or confidence, emotional issues related to finance and money management, chemical dependency issues, "little 't' trauma, and some deeper trauma work.

I will help facilitate your journey to self-discovery, working with you to understand what is going on now, why that is, and then help you change to support your goal. I use a collaborative approach to set goals with you, and utilize cognitive behavioral and attachment-based therapeutic approaches as primary tools in the helping process. I believe the issues presented in session are wonderful opportunities for you to learn about yourself and move toward the changes you seek. The change I refer to is in you - your thoughts, beliefs, choices and actions. I believe in the systemic approach that all things are connected - but the only place you really have leverage is in yourself. In our work, I will challenge you on your deeply-held beliefs around your expectations, fears you may not recognize, and self-defined limitations. I believe we all have the potential for a rich, fulfilling life. We just need some help sometimes.