Personal Statement
Meaningful therapy begins with curiosity, compassion, and a nonjudgmental stance. My goal is to provide a warm and supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. I view the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful growth and lasting change, and I strive to foster a space grounded in trust and authenticity.
I also believe that two things can be true at once. We can experience joy while carrying grief, feel confident while experiencing anxiety, or hold love alongside relational difficulty. In my work, I support clients in moving beyond all-or-nothing thinking and developing greater self-compassion, flexibility, and resilience.
I am especially passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults as they move through important life transitions and emotional challenges, helping them build insight and resilience along the way.
Qualifications
Shannon Risser earned her Master of Social Work from New York University. She has worked across a range of settings, including schools, outpatient private practice, and community mental health. Her clinical experience spans children as young as five through late adulthood. She is licensed in both New York and New Jersey.
My Toolbox
- Trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths-based, solution-focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches
- Mindfulness, grounding, and emotional regulation skills
- Anxiety, stress, and behavioral interventions
- Art-based and experiential interventions
- Psychoeducation
- Self-esteem building
- Parent collaboration and family support
