Hi, and Welcome!
Shannon McIntyre MA, AMFT
Helping Teens Feel Seen, Capable, and Confident
Hi, I’m Shannon — an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting teens through the challenges, growth, and self-discovery that come with adolescence.
If you’re here because your teen is struggling — with anxiety, mood changes, body image concerns, or feeling disconnected from themselves — you’re not alone. Watching your child struggle and not knowing how to help can feel overwhelming and heartbreaking. The good news is that reaching out is a powerful first step toward healing, and I’m here to help your teen (and your family) move forward.
My Experience — Supporting Teens Through Life’s Hard Moments
I bring a compassionate, relational, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, with a strong focus on identifying and building upon each teen’s existing strengths. With a background in trauma-focused work and deep roots in the local community, I strive to meet teens with both clinical skill and genuine care.
I have experience supporting teens who are navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, self-esteem and body image struggles, identity exploration, relational stress, and the impact of difficult or traumatic experiences. This foundation allows me to hold space for complex emotions with sensitivity while helping teens recognize their resilience and capacity for growth.
Why Teens Connect With Me
Most teens don’t want a therapist who lectures or tries to “fix” them — they want someone real, who listens and helps them feel understood.
My clients often describe my style as warm, calm, and supportive. Some sessions focus on untangling big emotions or making sense of painful experiences. Other sessions are more practical, centered on building coping skills, emotional regulation, and healthier ways of relating to themselves — including their body and self-image. I also incorporate creativity when helpful, giving teens alternative ways to express what feels hard to say out loud.
Whether we’re talking about school stress, friendships, family dynamics, or body image, I work to create a space where your teen can show up as they are, without pressure or judgment.
What Parents Can Expect
I know how difficult it can be to watch your teen struggle and feel shut out. My goal is to support your teen while also helping you feel informed and involved in ways that strengthen trust and understanding.
You can expect me to:
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Offer your teen a safe space to process emotions, self-esteem, and body image concerns
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Keep you informed about progress and themes without breaking your teen’s trust
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Equip you with insight and strategies to support your child at home
This work isn’t just about helping your teen feel better — it’s about helping your family reconnect and move forward together.
My Approach
Therapy is most effective when it’s tailored to the individual. I blend evidence-based practices with a compassionate, trauma-informed approach designed to meet each teen where they are.
Some of the tools I use include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help teens challenge anxious or self-critical thoughts
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) to build emotional awareness and self-understanding
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Art Therapy to support expression, identity exploration, and body image work
Why I Do This Work
I have a deep appreciation for adolescence and the vulnerability, growth, and possibility that come with it. I believe every teen deserves a space where they feel respected, valued, and understood — especially when life feels confusing or overwhelming.
My goal is to help teens make meaning of their experiences, recognize their strengths, and develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
What I Want You to Know
Your teen is capable of healing — even if right now they feel stuck, insecure, or disconnected from themselves or others. With the right support, they can learn to manage emotions, build confidence, and feel more at home in their own skin.
Every step of therapy is about helping your teen feel seen, valued, and understood — and helping you feel more supported as a parent. Healing takes time, but it is absolutely possible.
You don’t have to carry this alone. Together, we can help your teen move from surviving to truly thriving and help your family find connection and peace again.