Meet Shannen R.

About

My name is Shannen (she/her), and I am a pre-doctoral psychology resident and settler of European ancestry. I was raised on the traditional territories of the Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapeewak Peoples. I am currently completing my Ph.D. in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto and have spent the past six years living and learning on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishinaabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat Peoples.

In my clinical work, I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and client-centred space where people feel safe and respected. I believe that meaningful change begins within the therapeutic relationship and that therapy should be responsive to each person’s unique experiences, strengths, goals, and context. I also recognize that our well-being and experiences of distress are shaped by broader social and systemic factors, including colonialism, racism, and poverty. I work collaboratively with students to develop skills and strategies for navigating various life stressors and manifestations of distress, while supporting them in working toward the goals that are meaningful to them.

I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), tailoring these approaches to the needs of each client. I have experience supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, obsessive-compulsive disorder, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal challenges.