Shannel Benisano

Welcome! I’m Shannel Benisano and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering psychotherapy services to adults in California. I am a first-generation Filipino America and grew up in the Bay Area which has largely influenced they way I approach supporting my clients. As a trauma-focused and socially aware therapist, I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space for you to explore identity, relationships, cultural expectations, and generational wounds. Whether you're navigating anxiety, burnout, complex family dynamics, or healing from trauma, I’m here to help you feel seen, grounded, and supported — with depth, humor, and care.

As client centered, psychodynamic, trauma therapist approach is compassionate, attuned, and guided by the belief that lasting change begins with deep connection and honest exploration. I embrace a humanistic approach and use humor to foster strong therapeutic relationships. I’m deeply passionate about helping folks find their way through life’s complexities through a multi-cultural and social justice lens.

I firmly believe that humans are continually evolving beings, whose needs and desires change throughout their lifetime. In navigating these transitions, it’s common for individuals to face challenges and discover that previous coping strategies are no longer effective. That is where I like to bridge the gap and help you find different ways back to a happier you through a warm, comfortable and safe environment.