SB Portrait of Shannon Bettencourt

Shannon Bettencourt, LMFT

Compassionate therapist for anxiety and relationships

22 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Shannon

Shannon Bettencourt is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 22 years of clinical experience helping people manage anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship concerns. She works with clients facing grief and loss, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, intimacy-related issues, and hoarding behavior. Shannon describes therapy as a partnership and centers each session on the person’s goals and strengths.

Shannon listens first and helps people name practical next steps. She believes clients are the experts on their own lives and builds on what already works.

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

Background and approach

Sessions focus on realistic skills, clearer communication, and steady progress rather than quick fixes. Her style is supportive and direct. Shannon offers gentle challenges when needed and celebrates small gains.

She helps people sort through painful memories, rebuild confidence, and make decisions that fit their values. Shannon draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address anxiety, trauma, and relationship patterns. She tailors her approach to each person, combining problem-solving with emotional processing.

The goal is better daily functioning and more satisfying connections with others. Shannon practices in California as an LMFT - licensed marriage and family therapist. She provides sessions in English and works with people across a range of life stages who are ready to change.

Therapy begins by identifying priorities and setting manageable steps toward improvement.

Evidence-based approaches and online care

Shannon uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address anxiety, trauma, and relationship patterns. One common approach focuses on skill-building for stress and anxiety management, teaching breathing, grounding, and practical coping strategies to reduce daily overwhelm. Another approach helps people process painful experiences and trauma by combining emotional processing with problem-solving to improve mood and functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will listen to each person’s story, discuss options, and pick methods that match the client’s goals and preferences. Sessions are collaborative so techniques can be adjusted as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs. Video is useful for in-depth conversations and reading nonverbal cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a quicker check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief updates, homework check-ins, or people who prefer not to be on camera. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and maintain continuity when schedules change.
Book with Shannon Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Shannon commonly address?
She works with anxiety, stress, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, self-esteem struggles, coping with life changes, and hoarding-related concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach?
Her approach is collaborative and practical. She helps people identify strengths, set small goals, and use evidence-based techniques to manage symptoms and improve relationships.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 22 years of professional experience working with people on a range of emotional and relational problems.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LMFT - licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Session formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
22 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

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