Shannon Stern, Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Austin, Texas
Verified
My Approach to Therapy
Let me guess... youre the one who feels EVERYTHING: always overthinking, reading into every slight detail, trying to hold it all together. Maybe it feels like youre constantly spiraling. Deep down, you just want to feel calm, confident, and like yourself again. Im here to help you untangle anxiety, heal old wounds, and finally feel at ease. Well take it one real, honest step at a time, with no judgment and no pressure.
Im an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and internal family systems (IFS) therapist, which means I use either approach depending on your needs. EMDR therapy is a more structured approach that targets specific distressing events and helps reshape core beliefs. IFS incorporates a bit of mindfulness and creativity, and its gentle but incredibly effective. Blending the two can give you the best of both worlds.
I specialize in working with women who struggle with high levels of anxiety and panic, relationship anxiety and concerns, and trauma symptoms. I also love working with queer women who are questioning their sexuality and experiencing anxiety around their identity. Schedule a free consultation to see if wed be a good fit to work together.
Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance
Studies have shown that the number one indicator of success in therapy is the strength of the relationship between a client and therapist. Wild! That's not to say that their modalities and style aren't impactful, but it speaks to the importance of feeling like you can vibe and trust your therapist.
A little about my style so you can see if I'd be a good fit for you:
-Human first....Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy or overly formal. We can swear, laugh, gossip, and joke in between the deeper moments. Our nervous systems can't be diving into all the vulnerable stuff right away for 50 minutes straight!
-All topics are welcome...Even if you come in initially due to work stress, yes, we can absolutely talk about your relationship too. Nothing is off limits.
-We collaborate on your treatment...I am the expert on therapy, but you are the expert on YOU! If you feel like something isn't working, we get to chat about it and change course.
-I'm not going to tell you what to do.....My job is to help you feel empowered to make your own decisions. But I will be direct with you about stuff. If there's something that needs to be addressed, I'll bring it up (lovingly, of course!).
-I have trust in the process....Therapy can feel slow or frustrating at first, but I've worked with enough clients to know that EMDR and IFS are two very powerful therapy tools when applied correctly. If you're ready to try either of these modalities, let's chat!
Expertise & Specialties
Age Groups I Work With
Adults
Therapy Services & Specialties
Clinical SupervisionIndividual Therapy & Counseling
Concerns & Challenges Addressed
AnxietyAttachment IssuesCommunication ProblemsEmotional OverwhelmPanicPosttraumatic Stress / TraumaRelationships and MarriageWomen's Issues
Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)Internal Family Systems (IFS)