Shannon Aaron, CSWA

About Me

Hello, I’m Shannon, a Clinical Social Worker Associate (CSWA) providing therapy services to adults. I am dedicated to guiding clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. My therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion, transparency, patience, and a deep commitment to understanding each individual as unique.

FAQs about therapy with me:
 

• What is therapy like with you?

  • The best answer I can give is: it depends. I have a client-centered approach, so I adapt somewhat to meet each client’s needs. Because that answer is less than helpful, I will add that, for all my clients, I work to create a safe and transparent practice where my clients feel welcomed, respected, supported, and heard. Together, we will craft goals that align with your values and priorities. What your specific therapy will look like is discussed collaboratively during the intake and assessment process and can be adjusted as much as needed.

• What type of therapy do you do?

  • I want to ensure our work reflects what is most meaningful and effective for you and strive to provide therapy that fits your specific needs and utilize several evidence-based practices in doing so. Sources I draw from the most include: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), attachment principles, human neurobiology and physiology related to mental health, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed practices, and parts work (sometimes called Internal Family Systems therapy or IFS). I am familiar with several additional types of therapy and would be happy to discuss what you are looking for and the differences and similarities between kinds of therapy practices to help you make informed decisions.

• I don't want to __________. Are you going to make me do ___________?

  • No, absolutely not. First, I literally cannot make you do anything--you're a full adult, whether or not you feel like an adult. Second, I do not see the point of pressuring someone to do something they do not want to do. You are the expert on you, and I respect your choices. Even if you agree to do something and then decide not to do it, that is totally fine. This concern really brings up the concept of consent, which I feel strongly about. You can choose what to share, try, or do AND you can change your mind at any time. Consent is always revocable. Third, good therapy takes time and work, so I would rather not waste time with exercises or practices if they don't incorporate into your life. Trying something or not trying something are both a source of information to me, we can look at this new data and use it to inform our next step no matter the outcome.

• What if therapy hasn't worked for me in the past?

  • Then I am sincerely inspired by your decision to try therapy again--otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. Many people have to try a few times to find a therapist or style of therapy that is helpful for them. Sometimes a therapist can be really helpful for one person but not another or one issue but not another. Every single human is unique--consider: no two people have the same exact fingerprints, which are set by the time you were born (even identical twins have different fingerprints!) and brains are so much more complicated than fingerprints (and take 20-25 years to fully develop!)--everyone's brain is extremely unique, so your therapy should be tailored to you and use your knowledge of yourself to be what you need. 

  • I'm a curious scientist at heart and every client is different, so I view my client and I as collaborators in a mission of discovery and advancement. Discovery of who you are, what you value, and what you want to change (if anything). Advancement of self-awareness, self-understanding, and towards whatever your individual goals are. I would be honored to work with you and to use past therapy experiences as valuable guides to moving forward in a way that works for you.

• I am looking for a therapist that matches part of my personal identity; are you a member of ____________ community or do you identify as _______________?

  • I recognize the importance of finding the right match in a therapist and support you in finding a therapist that has a lived-in understanding of an important part of your identity and sense of self, which is a kind of understanding that is mostly impossible to learn from an outside perspective. To support your right to choose a therapist that works best for you, I welcome any relevant questions about my personal identities, life experiences, or philosophical beliefs if they help you determine if I am the right fit. Even before an initial meeting, you are welcome to reach out with whatever questions you may have related to your choice of therapist and I will do my best to answer them while still maintaining my own boundaries when applicable.

  • Practicing cultural humility, non-judgmental listening, and respect for each client’s unique                characteristics and identities are core values of mine. I am dedicated to fostering self-knowledge, insight,    and growth while honoring the autonomy and diversity of individuals.

• What's with all the tortoises in your office and materials?

  • I love tortoises and have since high school. One of the truest, although sometimes frustrating, sayings I have found is “Slowly is the fastest way to get where you want to go.” The tortoise represents that concept. Also, tortoises symbolize patience to me, which is something I value about myself and I have found useful throughout my life. Tortoises are also surprisingly tenacious, which I aspire to be.

License

Feb 2023-Current

Clinical Social Worker Associate

Oregon A13947​

The Clinical Social Worker Associate (CSWA) is a is a provisionally licensed person who has completed a master’s level social work program, passed necessary national examinations, and is currently working toward full licensure by completing a designated amount of supervised clinical counseling hours. Trained to provide support, therapy, and mentorship to those struggling with mental and emotional health issues.  

Education

2020-2022

Masters of Social Work (MSW) 

Portland State University, School of Social Work

Master's of Social Work program.

2010-2013

Juris Doctor, cum laude

Lewis and Clark Law School, Portland OR