Shannon Rae ​

I approach my work as a therapist from a systemic perspective. This includes viewing and incorporating the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your identity beyond the behavior present in a particular moment or period of time. A systemic perspective also includes incorporating an understanding of the important interpersonal relationships in your world, and exploring your family dynamics and social relationships. Because of this, we may include your close, intimate, personal relationships into the therapy room. Systems work also includes discussing and processing how societal systems, and cultural norms, expectations, and constructs impact your mental, physical, and emotional well being, so it is often important to explore the role of cultural identity, intergenerational ties, and social location in counseling sessions.

Being open minded, non-judgmental, respectful, and educated about social equity issues, are also important values I hold as a queer therapist. I value freedom of expression and centering a client’s own voice and choice throughout the therapeutic process. It is my goal to help you clarify your own wants, desires, and dreams. I support you using therapy to explore how to authentically and genuinely identify and explore all aspects of yourself, from gender & sexuality, to finding what brings joy and fulfillment to your life.
 

Discernment, or the ability to choose and make decisions that are self-fulfilling and empowering, is a main focus of the therapeutic process regardless of topic.