Shannon Trainor
Welcome. I'm Shannon Trainor, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience supporting adults, adolescents, and families through life's most difficult challenges. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with substance use and addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship concerns, and family dynamics. My approach is warm, collaborative, and direct. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and Solution-Focused Therapy, I tailor treatment to each individual's unique experiences, strengths, and goals. I believe that lasting change comes from a combination of self-awareness, practical skills, and compassionate accountability. Whether you are seeking healing from past experiences, navigating a current life challenge, or simply looking to live with greater clarity and balance, I am committed to helping you move forward with confidence and purpose.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a strong foundation for our work together. We will spend time discussing your personal history, current concerns, and the challenges that have brought you to therapy. Most importantly, we'll explore what you hope to gain from the therapeutic process and identify the goals that are most meaningful to you. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that includes clear, realistic, and attainable goals tailored to your unique needs. We will also discuss potential strategies and interventions that can help you move toward those goals. Before the session concludes, we will determine a therapy schedule that best supports your needs and fits your lifestyle. My goal is for you to leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and confident that we have a clear direction for our work together. Therapy is a collaborative process, and from the very beginning, we will work as partners in creating meaningful and lasting change.
Strengths
I believe that effective therapy begins by meeting clients where they are. From our first session, I work collaboratively with each client to identify meaningful goals and create a personalized treatment plan that is realistic, attainable, and aligned with their values and needs. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and understood. At the same time, I believe growth often requires accountability and gentle challenge. When appropriate, I help clients examine patterns, build new skills, and move beyond obstacles that may be preventing them from achieving their goals. Together, we establish clear treatment objectives, identify practical interventions, and develop realistic timelines for progress. Throughout therapy, we regularly review goals, celebrate successes, address challenges, and adjust our approach as needed to ensure treatment remains focused, effective, and responsive to each client's evolving needs.
Ideal clients
I work with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, substance use concerns, eating disorders, relationship challenges, and other life transitions. I have a special interest in supporting women through the unique challenges that arise across different stages of life, including identity, relationships, career, family, self-esteem, and personal growth. My ideal clients are seeking a supportive, collaborative space where they can gain insight, develop practical coping strategies, and create meaningful change in their lives. My clients are often motivated for change but may need support, guidance, and practical tools to move forward. They value a therapeutic relationship that is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-oriented, while also providing accountability and honest feedback when needed. Together, we work to build insight, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Origin story
I became a therapist because I genuinely believe in people's ability to change, heal, and grow. Over the last 20 years, I've seen individuals overcome addiction, recover from trauma, strengthen relationships, and rediscover a sense of purpose and confidence in their lives. Being part of that journey is both a privilege and a responsibility that I never take for granted. I am passionate about creating a space where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. My goal is to help people better understand their experiences, develop practical tools for navigating life's challenges, and build a life that reflects who they want to be. Watching clients recognize their own strengths and make meaningful changes is what continues to make this work so rewarding.
Ongoing work together
Progress in therapy looks different for everyone, which is why we regularly evaluate how you are feeling and functioning throughout the therapeutic process. Together, we will establish clear treatment goals and use evidence-based measurement tools to monitor changes in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, substance use, or other concerns that brought you to therapy. As therapy progresses, you may notice increased self-awareness, a greater understanding of patterns that impact your thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and an improved ability to identify areas for continued growth. You will also develop and practice practical coping skills designed to help you manage life's challenges more effectively.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that helps people understand how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors. Together, we'll identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier perspectives, and learn practical coping strategies. By changing the way we think, we can often improve how we feel and respond to life's challenges, leading to meaningful and lasting change.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MaineLicense LC9931