Shannon Flaherty Gibbons , LCSW

Shannon Flaherty Gibbons is a licensed clinical social worker with 26 years of experience practicing in California. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, and struggles with self-esteem. She aims to make starting therapy feel manageable and straightforward for someone taking that first step.

Shannon favors a conversational, nonjudgmental style. She creates space for people to name what matters most to them and to talk through hard feelings. Sessions focus on practical skills and clearer thinking, not on jargon or long lectures.

Her work often centers on attachment and relationship patterns, and on building skills to cope with life changes. She also supports people dealing with abandonment, caregiver stress, chronic illness, fertility and cancer-related concerns, and food or eating issues. Shannon uses approaches that help people notice their thoughts and choose actions that match their values.

Clients can expect a collaborative plan that blends short-term coping tools and longer-term goals. She listens for what’s getting in the way and suggests small experiments to try between sessions. Progress is measured in real life changes, like improved communication, steadier mood, and increased confidence.

Shannon offers sessions in English and works with adults in California. She aims to make scheduling and follow-up simple so therapy fits into a busy life. The goal is clearer choices and more ease in day-to-day living.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values. It is often used for anxiety, stress, and major life changes. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationship patterns influence current connections and communication. It can help people improve trust, set boundaries, and feel more secure in relationships. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, empathic listening stance where the person directs the pace and focus of sessions and the therapist reflects and supports growth.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Shannon will discuss what feels most useful, try different strategies, and adjust plans based on the client's goals and feedback. The process is collaborative and paced to what the person needs in the moment.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and exercises that benefit from visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or camera use is difficult. Live chat or text-based messaging can fit quick check-ins, brief skills practice, or support between longer sessions. These options make it simpler to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, or medical appointments.