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LCSW

Shannon Flaherty Gibbons, LCSW

  • Experience26 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Relationship, and Parenting
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Shannon

Shannon Flaherty Gibbons is a California-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 26 years of professional experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and shifts in motivation and self-esteem.

Background and approach

She creates an approachable space where clients can bring difficult feelings and practical problems for exploration and change. Her work often centers on building confidence, improving communication, and helping clients navigate life transitions with greater clarity and resilience.

Shannon draws on a range of evidence-informed methods, including Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based work, client-centered techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies to tailor care to each person’s needs. She emphasizes collaboration and nonjudgmental listening while helping clients identify actionable steps and internal strengths.

Shannon frames therapy as a courageous step toward a more satisfying and balanced life and aims to support people through that process with steadiness and respect.

Approaches that translate to online care

Shannon integrates Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Attachment-Based perspectives into her online practice. Internal Family Systems helps people notice and dialogue with the different parts of themselves to reduce inner conflict and increase self-leadership, which can be useful for anxiety and patterns of self-criticism. ACT focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings, often helping clients manage stress and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationship patterns influence current connections and emotional responses, supporting improvements in communication and relational security.

Deciding which approach fits best is part of the work together. Shannon uses intake conversations and ongoing collaboration to tailor methods to each person’s goals, preferences, and circumstances rather than applying a single technique from the start. This collaborative stance helps clients feel involved in shaping their care.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and accessibility. These formats allow clients to access therapy from their chosen location and to select the communication style that suits their needs and daily life while maintaining continuity of care.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shannon commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting challenges, motivation and self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include attachment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and fertility-related concerns.
What is Shannon's therapeutic style like?
Her approach is collaborative and client-centered, emphasizing open listening and practical steps. She blends empathetic support with strategies drawn from several evidence-informed therapies.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Shannon has 26 years of professional experience working with people across a variety of life and health challenges. That background informs a flexible and seasoned approach to care.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is licensed in California as an LCSW under CA LCSW 20321 and practices from a California-based license.
Are sessions offered in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are conducted in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available with Shannon?
Clients may work via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on scheduling and preference.
How is cost and payment handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

26+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English