Shannon Riese

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida who is looking to move to Northern Ireland to be closer to my dad.  Although I work with all ages, I especially love working with children and adolescents. I have treated clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, autism, and grief. In addition, I have a “calling” to help those who are seeking to heal from the trauma of sexual abuse. I am a certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and am trained in Trust-Based Relational Interventions as well as EMDR. 

I began my career interning at Lee University's Marriage and Family Therapy and Play Therapy Clinic. There I had the privilege of leading a psychoeducation/ support group for parents of children who were court-mandated for drug use. I provided counselling services to students, children who have experienced trauma, premarital couples, children with autism, adults with depression and anxiety, foster families, and at-risk children. I created individualised treatment plans for each of my clients and collaborated with my co-therapist and the treatment team.  I led a sexual abuse prevention training where I educated pre-school age children on safe touch and what to do if they feel uncomfortable.

Upon graduating from Lee University, I began working at Easterseals in one of their intensive residential facilities where I created individualised treatment plans and provided therapy for adolescent boys with autism, intellectual disabilities, and trauma. I am also proud to have bridged the gap between direct care staff and clinicians by collaborating with the staff and teachers. 

Next, I worked for a new safe home for minor survivors of human trafficking. I provided individual, group, and family therapeutic services for survivors. Because the home was not open when I started working there, I was able to be a part of program development and learn about the challenges of starting a new company. 

Currently, I am working at a shelter for youth who are experiencing homelessness. I provide individual therapy as well as lead groups. I have led a substance use group as well as start my own self-care group within three months of working for the company. I am getting ready to start a new group where youth will be able to learn and discuss mental health topics. There will also be a practical component to the group where we will practice coping skills together. I am very proud to have been a part of the development of the company values. I am also proud of the feedback I have received about how I am a team player and always ready to jump in and help wherever needed.  

I obtained my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2020. During this time, I learned various modalities within the systemic lens. I am very thankful to have taken a class on Play Therapy and Child Trauma as my style of therapy tends to be experiential. I adapt to what my clients need in the session and have also found that therapeutic play and art are particularly beneficial to my child and adolescent clients and their families. Children communicate best through play and adolescents often connect with art and music. Using a client's interests helps make therapy more safe and thus aids in the treatment.