Shannon Sparks (she/her)

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #134728

Supervised by Ally Silva, LCSW #93160

SERVICES I OFFER

In-office and virtual sessions for:

  • Individual therapy (teens)

SPECIALTIES AND FOCUS AREAS

  • Self-harm

  • Stress and stress management

  • Life transitions

  • ยท       Grief & Loss

  • Generalized anxiety

  • Self-esteem and self-worth

  • Relationship problems and family conflict

MY APPROACH

I prioritize and value establishing a strong therapeutic relationship through a client centered and strength-based approach. You do not need to face and heal your pain alone, and I will guide you through this journey of self-discovery. I will support you through your challenges and celebrate your strengths and accomplishments along the way.

I also frequently utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing with clients during their therapeutic journey. I understand that every client has different needs and preferences for receiving support, and my flexible therapeutic approach is adaptable for every individual client. I am passionate about working with pre-teens/teens and collaborating with their primary caregivers to assist them in supporting their children.

ABOUT ME

I value authenticity and people embracing all unique parts of themselves. In therapy, I prioritize establishing a strong, therapeutic relationship with my clients and do so by always showing up as my authentic self in hopes that it will help my clients feel more comfortable and open to doing the same. I love getting to know my clients not only through the process of helping them through their challenges, but also by learning about what brings them joy, happiness, and meaning.

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES I AM TRAINED TO USE

  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

  • Gender affirming care

  • Family systems therapy

  • Motivational interviewing

  • Person-centered therapy

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy

  • Art therapy

  • Attachment-based therapy

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-informed)

  • Crisis intervention

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • MA in Counseling Psychology with Health Emphasis from Santa Clara University

  • BA in Psychology from San Jose State University

  • TEAM-CBT Level 1

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Therapist at Teen Therapy Center

  • Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at the Bill Wilson Center

  • Teacher at Bright Horizons Back-Up Childcare Center

OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN I WORK WITH

  • Impulsivity

  • Learning Difficulties

  • LGBTQ+ Concerns (Anxiety, Discrimination from Family/Friends/Community, Interpersonal Connections, Sexual Orientation Exploration)

  • Life Transitions

  • Loneliness

  • Perfectionism

  • Personality Disorders

  • Pessimism

  • Procrastination & Motivation

  • Relationship Problems

  • Self-Esteem

  • Self-Harm

  • Sensitivity To Rejection & Criticism

  • Shyness

  • Social Skills

  • Stress & Stress Management

  • Substance Use

  • Suicide (Ideation)

  • Trauma

  • Trust Issues

  • Social Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Attachment Issues

  • Attention Problems/ADHD

  • Body Image

  • Loneliness

  • Perfectionism

  • Procrastination & Motivation

  • Sensitivity to Rejection & Criticism

  • Trust Issues