Shana Kench

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping individuals build insight, develop coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow—at your own pace and in your own way.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and my Master’s in Social Work, where I received clinical training working with adolescents and adults. My professional background includes both residential treatment and private practice settings, where I have worked with individuals navigating a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges.

In private practice, I worked with court-ordered clients for anger management and individuals referred through DCBS for mental health evaluations. I also facilitated both teen and adult Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups, helping clients build skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in working with individuals who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward.

I specialize in working with adolescents and adults experiencing ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and anger-related concerns. I have particular experience supporting individuals who struggle with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and behavioral challenges.

My approach to therapy is client-centered, strengths-based, and non-judgmental. I incorporate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. I also value psychoeducation, helping clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and patterns so they can make more intentional choices in their lives.

My approach to therapy is client-centered, supportive, and focused on helping you build practical skills you can use in your everyday life. I believe that therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and not judged, so I strive to create a space where you can be open and honest about what you’re going through.

I take a strengths-based approach, meaning I focus on what’s already working for you while helping you develop new ways to manage challenges. I understand that change can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re feeling stuck, emotionally reactive, or unsure where to start, so we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we’ll work on building skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving decision-making so you can feel more in control of your life.

I also incorporate psychoeducation into sessions, helping you make sense of why you feel and react the way you do. When you understand the “why,” it becomes easier to create meaningful and lasting change.

My goal is not just to help you feel better in the moment, but to give you the tools and confidence to handle challenges long after therapy ends.

Your first session is all about getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. We’ll talk about your current concerns, what you’ve been dealing with, and what you’d like to get out of therapy.

I’ll ask some questions about your background, including your mental health history, relationships, and any past experiences that may be impacting you. This is part of the assessment process, but it’s not meant to feel overwhelming—you can share at your own pace, and there’s no pressure to go into anything before you’re ready.

We’ll also begin identifying your goals and what you would like to work on moving forward. If it feels helpful, I may offer some initial feedback, coping strategies, or insight during the session.

My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and understood from the very beginning.