Shannon Shackford, LPC

Shannon Shackford is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia who uses practical, people-focused methods to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and life changes. She focuses on building self-compassion and clearer communication so people can move forward with more confidence and calm. Her style is direct but warm, aimed at everyday problem solving rather than clinical jargon.

With three years of clinical experience, Shannon has worked with people facing depression, panic attacks, grief, and challenges like addiction or bipolar mood swings. She also supports those wrestling with self-esteem, isolation, and questions about life purpose. She listens for what matters most and helps clients find small, manageable steps to feel better.

In sessions she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify patterns of thinking that lead to distress. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people accept hard feelings while taking action toward chosen values. Client-centered work guides the pace so conversations reflect each person’s priorities.

Shannon pays attention to practical skills such as communication, coping during divorce or separation, and managing parenting stress. She helps clients practice new responses to anger, improve relationships, and rebuild trust in themselves after loss.

Her approach blends talking, skills practice, and goal-focused planning. Clients who want compassionate support and clear tools to handle life’s changes may find her approach helpful. Sessions are offered in English and available to international clients when scheduling allows.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Shannon commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more effective patterns. CBT can be practical for anxiety, panic, depression, and daily stress by focusing on skills and short-term goals.

She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult feelings without getting stuck and to take action that aligns with personal values. ACT can be useful for life transitions, grief, and persistent worries where avoidance has become a pattern.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Shannon discusses goals and preferences with each person and adjusts methods based on what works best. She helps clients try different techniques and decide together which strategies fit their life and priorities.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is helpful for a full-session conversation and skills practice. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or when a simpler check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging allow shorter, on-the-go support and can fit into busy days. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while balancing family, work, and travel.