Shannon Schaeffer

Compassionate clinician focused on practical change

LMHC Iowa

Experience: 10 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Shannon

Shannon Schaeffer is an LMHC based in Iowa who helps people managing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self esteem, and depression.

Background and approach

With 10 years of clinical experience, she supports clients through periods of loss, low motivation, and emotional upheaval, drawing on a mix of evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person’s circumstances. She strives to create an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly.

Her style emphasizes collaboration and empowerment - working with clients to set realistic goals, learn coping skills, and build confidence over time. Shannon blends cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness and psychodynamic perspectives to address both present difficulties and deeper patterns that affect well-being.

Clients looking for practical tools alongside reflective work may find her approach helpful. She brings a patient, respectful presence to the therapeutic relationship and adapts interventions to the needs and pace of each individual.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Options

Shannon often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and build practical strategies for managing symptoms such as anxiety and depressive moods. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is also part of her practice, encouraging clients to clarify values and take committed action while learning to accept difficult internal experiences.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. She works with each person to determine which methods best fit their goals, preferences, and current situation, adjusting the plan as needed rather than committing to a single pathway from the start.

Online therapy with Shannon is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which provides flexibility for people with different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it possible to access consistent support from Iowa without needing to travel, and sessions can be scheduled to fit around work, caregiving, or other commitments.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shannon commonly work with?

Shannon supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem struggles, and depression, along with related areas such as chronic illness, isolation, and mood disorders.

What is the therapeutic style clients can expect?

The approach is collaborative and nonjudgmental, combining practical skill-building with opportunities to explore underlying patterns that influence thoughts and behaviors.

What kind of clinical experience does she have?

She has 10 years of professional experience working with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns and integrates several therapeutic modalities in her work.

Where is she licensed and what are her credentials?

She is a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa with the credential IA LMHC 101747 and holds the LMHC designation.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available for online work?

Clients can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and scheduling.

How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Depression

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessGuilt and shame Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harm Social anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

Iowa

Languages

English