Shannon Sparks, LMFT (she/her)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #155014

Services I Offer

In-office and virtual sessions for:

  • Individual therapy (pre-teens, teens, and young adults)

Specialities and Focus Areas

  • Anxiety (generalized, social, school-related)
  • Relationship challenges (friendships, family conflict, breakups)
  • Self-esteem and self-worth
  • Academic stress, motivation, and executive functioning

About Me

I am a board-certified, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in supporting teens and young adults as they navigate anxiety, relationships, identity development, and major life transitions. With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology (Health Emphasis) from Santa Clara University, I take a client-centered and strengths-based approach, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where young people can show up as their full selves.

My style is warm, collaborative, and flexible. I meet clients exactly where they are and help them make sense of their experiences while building on the strengths and resilience they already possess. My aim is to create a safe, empowering space where clients can explore who they are, work through challenges at their own pace, and gain confidence in their ability to navigate both the present and what lies ahead.

Authenticity is at the heart of my work, and I strive to create a space where teens feel understood, supported, and free to express who they are. I show up with warmth, openness, and genuine curiosity, which helps clients feel comfortable, at ease, and willing to share their world with me.

Therapeutic Approach

My approach is collaborative, client-centered, and deeply affirming, with therapy shaped by each client’s identity, experiences, and goals. I draw from evidence-based approaches that help clients build insight, feel more understood, and create meaningful change.

I integrates multiple evidence-based modalities, including:

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Family Systems Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Person-Centered Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Art Therapy

Attachment-Based Therapy

Crisis Intervention

Education and Certifications

  • MA in Counseling Psychology with Health Emphasis from Santa Clara University
  • BA in Psychology from San Jose State University
  • TEAM-CBT Level 1

Work Experience

  • Therapist at Teen Therapy Center
  • Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at the Bill Wilson Center
  • Teacher at Bright Horizons Back-Up Childcare Center

Who I Work With

I’m passionate about supporting clients who are experiencing:

  • Anxiety (generalized, social, or school-related)
  • Relationship struggles
  • Academic overwhelm and stress
  • Low self-worth or self-esteem
  • Identity exploration
  • Emotional sensitivity or heightened reactions
  • Executive functioning challenges

Life Outside the Therapy Room

My personal interests bring balance and relatability to my work. Outside of therapy, I enjoy:

  • Playing volleyball
  • Going on walks with her dog and husband
  • Trying new crafts
  • Going to sports games
  • Wandering through stores like TJMaxx, Target, or Hobby Lobby
  • Watching true crime documentaries

Additional Areas of Expertise

I also support clients navigating:
  • Perfectionism
  • Life transitions
  • Grief and Loss
  • Sensitivity to Rejection and Criticism
  • Trust Issues
  • Attachment Issues
  • Attention Problems/ADHD
  • Body Image
  • Depression
  • Loneliness
  • Self-harm

Work With Shannon

If you’re looking for a therapist who brings warmth, curiosity, collaboration, and deep care, Shannon would love to support your pre-teen, teen, or young adult.