Shannon Shackford

Shannon Shackford is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia who centers therapy on compassion and concrete skills. She helps people build self-compassion, strengthen communication, and find connection during life transitions. Sessions focus on simple, doable steps that fit into daily life. Shannon works with people dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. She also supports those facing major life changes such as divorce or trauma and those coping with isolation or questions about life purpose. Her approach includes practical tools for managing panic attacks and grief. In the room she aims for a calm, non-judgmental tone. Shannon listens closely and helps clients identify actions that make a real difference. She blends acceptance-based methods with cognitive techniques so people can notice unhelpful patterns and try small experiments to change them. Her work also addresses ADHD, addictions, compassion fatigue, and struggles around parenting and career decisions. For people wrestling with forgiveness, loneliness, or rebuilding after separation, she helps set manageable goals and routines. The focus is on building resilience rather than quick fixes. Shannon has three years of clinical experience and practices in Virginia. She offers practical coaching-style supports alongside therapy to help people clarify values and next steps. To begin, she encourages a step-by-step process so clients feel steady progress toward more satisfying daily life.

How these approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing thoughts and choosing actions that match personal values. It helps people who feel stuck by focusing on what matters to them and taking small, meaningful steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and introduces practical exercises to reduce anxiety and depression. It is useful for panic, worry, and mood shifts. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and empathy, giving people space to feel heard while they explore their own answers.

Finding the right approach is often collaborative. The therapist will work with each person to try methods that fit their goals and comfort level. That process may include testing different techniques and agreeing on practical homework or experiments between sessions.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can help fit therapy into a busy life by making it easier to schedule sessions around work, childcare, or appointments. It can also make shorter check-ins possible when less time is available and reduce travel time so people can focus on progress rather than logistics.