Shannon Sparks (she/her)

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #134728

Supervised by Ally Silva, LCSW #93160

CLINICAL APPROACH

Navigating life as a teenager can be challenging, confusing, and full of surprises. Talking and opening up about the challenges life throws at you can be uncomfortable and nerve-wracking. Therapy can provide you a safe space to address, process, and heal your pain all while strengthening self-awareness, understanding, and your relationship with yourself and others.

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

My personal journey of healing and self-discovery has greatly influenced my passion for helping others through their own unique challenges. I truly believe in and trust the therapeutic process and the ways that therapy can help people work through adversity to live more fulfilling lives.

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.

In my time away from work, I can be found trying out all sorts of new arts and crafts (paint by numbers, scrapbooking, doodling, painting), walking/exercising, reading outside in the sun, playing boardgames with friends, attending trivia nights, wandering around T.J.Maxx/Target, and spending time with friends and family. I love trying new activities and learning new things.

SERVICES I OFFER

In-person & virtual sessions for:

• Individual Therapy (Teens)

• Group Therapy

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES & PRACTICES I USE

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

• Art Therapy

• Attachment-Based Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trauma-informed)

• Circle of Security

• Crisis Intervention

  
  

SPECIALTIES

• Grief and Loss

• Anxiety and Depression

• Self-esteem and self-worth

AREAS OF CONCERN I WORK WITH

• Abandonment

• Academic Problems

• Acting Out Behaviors

• Anger

• Anxiety (Generalized, OCD, Panic Attacks/Disorder, Social)

• Attachment Issues

• Attention Problems/ADHD

• Bipolar

• Body Dysmorphia

• Body Image

• Bullied By Others

• Codependency

• Communication Difficulties

• Cultural Concerns

• Death

• Depression

• Disordered Eating (Binging, Purging, Restricting, Rumination)

• Family Conflict

• Grief, Loss & Bereavement

• Identity Exploration

* Areas of concern in bold are areas I'm particularly passionate about working with

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education:

• M.A. in Counseling Psychology with Health Emphasis in Santa Clara University

• B.A. in Psychology from San Jose State University

Work Experience: 

• Therapist at Teen Therapy Center (2022-present)

• Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at the Bill Wilson Center (2021-2022)

• Teacher at Bright Horizons Back-Up Childcare Center (2017-2023)