Shannon Kelly, LCSW-S, MSW, MPA, BFA, LCDC

I work with individuals—especially women and LGBTQ+ clients—healing from trauma and the impact of difficult relationships, whether from family growing up, past experiences, or current dynamics. You can love your family and still need space to heal. Therapy with me is supportive, collaborative, and engaging—you may cry, laugh, reflect, and leave with practical tools to feel more grounded between sessions.

My approach integrates EMDR, parts work, and mindfulness, informed by my background in fine arts and Chinese medicine. I believe trauma affects both mind and body, and that imagination and creativity—when grounded in empirically supported therapy—can be powerful tools for nervous system regulation and healing.

My work is shaped by an interdisciplinary background that blends creativity, leadership, mind-body wisdom, and empirically supported clinical practice. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). I also completed advanced training in Qi Gong and Tai Chi while pursuing a Master’s in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, deepening my understanding of energy, movement, breath, and nervous system regulation.

I have specialized trauma-informed training and extensive experience working with trauma and ADHD, including how attention, shame, identity, and overwhelm show up in daily life and relationships.

I am trained in:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Internal Family Systems (IFS / parts work)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

DBT and CBT

Mindfulness-based approaches

Somatic and polyvagal-informed therapy

Psychodrama, which I especially love using in group settings

These approaches are used flexibly and intentionally. I am not a one-size-fits-all therapist. You are the captain of your healing; I am your co-pilot.

My Approach to Therapy

I believe trauma affects the whole person—mind, body, emotions, identity, and nervous system. I understand trauma on both a personal and professional level, and I approach it with respect, care, and patience.

Creativity and imagination are often woven into the work—not because you need to be “artistic,” but because these are powerful, natural tools for insight and regulation. This can be especially supportive for trauma and ADHD, where traditional talk therapy alone may feel limiting. You don’t need to know the way forward to begin. Together, we discover it.

Who I Work With

I primarily work with women and LGBTQ+ clients navigating current or past trauma, family-of-origin wounds, past or current relationships, and life transitions. You can love your family, friends, partner, and still need to heal from what was painful or missing.

I enjoy working with people who are open to gently stepping outside their comfort zone and engaging in a collaborative process that blends structure, exploration, and gentle humor. All identities are welcome. I value openness, curiosity, and respect for each person’s lived experience.

Professional Experience

My experience includes work in:

A trauma center for women

Addiction treatment programs

Forensic settings

Crisis response teams

The court system

Leadership and facility management roles

Clinical supervision

I also love working with groups, where connection, creativity, and experiential approaches—especially psychodrama—can be powerful sources of healing.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

Therapy with me is warm, grounded, and engaging. We set goals together, check in about what’s working, and adjust as needed. You may cry, laugh, gain insight, or simply feel more settled in your body.

Above all, I genuinely love what I do and deeply respect the people I work with. It’s an honor to be invited into someone’s healing process, and I approach that work with care, curiosity, and commitment.