SD Portrait of Shanna Downing

Shanna Downing, LCSW

Helping people reduce anxiety and stress

13 years in practice · based in Utah · sessions in English · online sessions

Book with Shanna

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

About Shanna

Shanna Downing is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety. She brings a pragmatic, compassionate approach to conversations about grief, career challenges, depression, and major life changes. Her style is straightforward and respectful, aimed at helping people take clear steps forward.

Shanna adapts sessions to each person's needs. She listens first, then helps set goals that feel achievable. Her work often combines thoughtful conversation with practical techniques people can use between sessions.

Book with Shanna Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Over her 13 years as a licensed clinical social worker, Shanna has supported people facing end-of-life and hospice concerns alongside more common problems like anxiety and work strain. That background means she is comfortable talking about grief and loss as well as everyday stressors. Shanna uses evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral ideas, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused strategies.

She also draws on client-centered listening and motivational interviewing to help people find momentum and stay engaged with change. Sessions are organized around what the person wants to address next. Shanna helps break big problems into smaller steps, teaches coping tools, and checks progress together.

The goal is steady improvement in mood, daily functioning, and coping with transitions.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening carefully and following the person’s lead. The therapist provides empathy and reflection to help people feel heard and to clarify what they want to change. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety and depressive patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and daily routine to decide which methods to try first. That collaboration helps tailor sessions so techniques fit the person’s life and needs.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video works well when visual connection helps with engagement. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging allow brief check-ins, written reflections, or support between longer sessions. These options help people fit therapy into busy schedules and keep progress moving forward.
Book with Shanna Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
Shanna helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, career challenges, depression, and coping with life changes. She also has experience with hospice and end-of-life counseling.
What is Shanna's therapy style like?
Her style is client-centered and collaborative. Sessions mix listening with practical strategies from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Shanna has 13 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. That experience includes work with grief and hospice-related concerns as well as common mood and anxiety issues.
Where is Shanna licensed and based?
She is licensed as an LCSW in Utah and Nevada and is based in Utah.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what fits the person best.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and is provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Shanna?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
13 years
Licensed
Utah, Nevada
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.