Shannon Schaeffer, LMHC

Shannon Schaeffer is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Iowa with 10 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem concerns, and depression, and brings additional experience working with aging and geriatric issues, chronic pain and illness, codependency, and relationship transitions. Shannon draws on a blend of evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person’s needs and life circumstances.

She creates an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly, and she emphasizes collaboration so clients can define meaningful goals and track progress. Shannon encourages clients to identify what matters most to them and to take practical steps toward a more fulfilling day-to-day life. Seeking change requires courage, and Shannon aims to support and empower people through that process.

Whether someone is coping with recent loss, long-standing mood concerns, or the impact of past trauma, Shannon works with respect and compassion to help clients build resilience and clarity. Her practice prioritizes thoughtful listening, practical skills, and attention to the whole person as they work toward lasting improvements in wellbeing.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and commit to small, practical steps that align with what matters most to them. It is useful for managing anxiety, stress, and patterns that keep people from living a meaningful life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with more helpful strategies - it is often used for anxiety, depression, and mood-related concerns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance of thoughts and emotions, which can support coping with stress, grief, and chronic health challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Shannon works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds. The selection of techniques is guided by client priorities and lived experience rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility for people with busy schedules or mobility limits. Sessions can take place by video call or phone, and there are options for live chat or ongoing text-based messaging when that format better suits someone’s life. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to integrate therapeutic work into everyday routines.