“My favorite part of being a therapist is helping people shift their perspective, to accept the reality that change is always possible.”

Shan Bishop, MEd, LMHC went into mental health counseling with the understanding that none of us are stuck in our negative thoughts or anxious feelings, forever. 

Through developing the right tools and approach, we can begin to change thoughts and beliefs about ourselves that are holding us back or keeping us stuck.

Shan takes a humanistic approach to mental health counseling. She believes that each client is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Her treatment style is grounded in elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused, mindfulness, skill building and goal setting.

Through working with Shan, you’ll develop new tools to tap into your unique strengths, and forge new insights into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with compassion. As a result, you’ll learn how to overcome life’s challenges and reach your full potential.

We sat down with Shan to learn more about her background in the field, and approach to online counseling in Massachusetts.

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I’ve always been fascinated by why people behave the way they do, and what creates positive and lasting change in people’s lives. 

I studied psychology in undergrad, and went onto earn my M.Ed in counseling and human services from Lehigh University. 

For many years, I worked as a master level counselor in schools, colleges, and community-based outpatient clinics. When it comes to dealing with personal, parental, social, and academic stressors, children and young adults need a lot of guidance and support from a caring, nonjudgmental, and informed figure. I loved creating an empathetic and safe environment for students to identify where they’re feeling stuck, and how they want to grow.  

Eventually, I wanted to work with individuals of all ages, one on one for longer periods of time. I wanted to translate my skills and education into an outpatient practice.

How would you describe your approach to counseling?

I’ll always meet clients where they’re at, and provide them with a safe and supportive environment where they feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings in the here and now. 

Together, we’ll work on moving from a place of judgment and criticism to a place of compassion and self-acceptance. 

At the beginning of our session, I like to help clients create personal goals and identify what they want to get out of counseling. We’ll refer back to the client’s goals throughout our sessions, to ensure that our work together is meaningful and forward-moving. 

I like to use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supported by mindfulness interventions, to help clients gain greater awareness of, and as a result become more intentional with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I’ll also use Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Skill Building and Goal Setting interventions.

When I’m working with younger clients, I like to include parents and/or caregivers in the treatment process. Oftentimes, they can provide support in teaching and role modeling for their children. The relationship between children and their parents serves as a helpful intervention throughout the therapeutic process.

What mental health challenges and life situations do you offer treatment for?

I’ll help clients work through the following mental health and life challenges:

• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
• Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger’s Counseling
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Anger Management
• Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Health/Medical Problems
• Self-Injurious Behaviors/Self-harm
• Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD/ADD)
• LGBTQIA
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia/Bulimia/Binge Eating)
• Peak Performance/Performance Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Adjustment Disorder
• Parenting Issues
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career
• Trauma

What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?

Honestly, my favorite part of being a therapist is helping people shift their perspective, to accept the reality that change is possible.

Scheduling an appointment with Shan Bishop, MEd, LMHC:

Shan Bishop, MEd, LMHC believes that change is always possible despite our habitual thinking that when things go badly, they’ll always be bad. 

Shan will help you look closely at where your thoughts are keeping you stuck or holding you back from reaching your full potential.

To start working with Shan online, please contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

 

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