Shannon Gaskell, LMHC

Shannon Gaskell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Washington with seven years of clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in individual, group, and family settings and draws on evidence-based methods to address a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, life transitions, family issues, grief, parenting, anger, compassion fatigue, and ADHD.

Shannon completed a Master of Arts in Counseling at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, where her studies included Bible and theology courses alongside counseling training and specialized instruction in integrating faith into therapy for clients who wish to bring their Christian beliefs into the counseling process. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Central Washington University.

Her clinical training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy Plus, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy, as well as ongoing professional development focused on depression, anxiety, and trauma. She has a special interest in early life and family of origin dynamics and often incorporates elements of Schema Therapy when exploring how early relationships shape present patterns. Shannon approaches her work with thoughtful support and aims to walk alongside clients as they pursue growth and healing.

Online Care Using Cognitive and Trauma-Focused Approaches

Shannon often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a structured, skills-based approach that helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and to improve coping. Trauma-Focused Therapy is also a key part of her practice - it concentrates on processing and integrating traumatic experiences so that past events interfere less with daily functioning and relationships.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shannon works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences and will recommend or adapt methods in partnership with the client so treatment fits their life and priorities.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for this work. Video sessions allow face-to-face interaction when that is most helpful, while phone, live chat, and text-based messaging provide flexible options for scheduling and for maintaining momentum between sessions. These formats make it easier for people with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or limited local options to connect with licensed professionals and therapists who can support their progress.