Cara Shanks

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than a decade of experience helping people through life’s most challenging and overwhelming seasons. Since earning my Master’s in Social Work in 2013 and becoming independently licensed in 2019, I have supported clients facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and self-esteem concerns. I know starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you have been carrying a lot alone, so I offer a steady, compassionate space to slow down, feel understood, and begin making sense of what you are going through.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that you already hold important strengths, even if they feel out of reach right now. I use evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, to help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and patterns while building practical tools for daily life. I do not use a one size fits all model, and instead tailor our work to your goals, lived experiences, and what feels most supportive to you.

In our first session, you can expect a respectful, encouraging space focused on your needs and comfort level. I will invite you to share what brings you to therapy, what feels hardest right now, and what you hope will change, while moving at a pace that feels right for you. I will listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and start to identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together, we will begin exploring coping tools and strategies so you leave feeling heard, a bit more grounded, and more equipped to navigate what comes next.