About Me
I am committed to your well-being through evidence based practices and approaches that promote lasting health and happiness.
SHANNON HEALER, LCSW
EMDR THERAPIST
Originally from upstate New York, I moved to California after finishing college at the University of Delaware, to follow through on a 10-month commitment with AmeriCorps. I don’t believe it was my intention to stay, but I found myself in Santa Cruz and was lured by the diverse nature. I fell in love with the ocean and surfing, and the majesty of the redwoods and mountain biking. I love the outdoors and adventure, which has made this area feel more and more like home. My greatest job is being a mother to two young daughters. This has been a profound journey in and of itself, teaching me invaluable lessons and enriching my life in ways I never imagined.
I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years beginning my professional career as a Mental Health Client Specialist for the County of Santa Cruz, after I finished my MSW program at San Jose State in 2005. I spent close to 5 years working with adults with severe and persistent mental health issues, helping them to stabilize to live in the lowest level of care possible. I then began a 15+ year career at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs where I provided case management and therapeutic interventions to veterans struggling with homelessness. Working with this population has given me deep insights into trauma. I have encountered veterans with diverse backgrounds and stories, allowing me to witness the multifaceted nature of trauma and its impact on individuals. Many veterans experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My role at the VA has given me the opportunity to understand the symptoms, triggers, and coping mechanisms associated with PTSD. Through my personal therapy journey, I found EMDR, and witnessed the huge impact it had on my life. This led me to opening a private therapy practice where I could support others on their healing journey utilizing this modality. Over the years, I have honed in on my clinical skills, and have learned ways to integrate somatic work and EMDR for even greater results. I know that not everyone has the means to invest in therapy, and that is why I am committed to offering more options for healing.
Why Choose Me?
Safe and Supportive Environment
Programs tailored to fit your busy schedule, helping you integrate wellness into daily life with ease.
Flexible Programs for Busy Lives
Dedicated to your personal development, I offer continuous guidance to help you achieve your full potential.
Commitment to Your Growth
I provide ongoing support to help you build lasting habits that promote long-term health and wellness.
Support for Sustainable Change
Experience a welcoming space where you are empowered and encouraged to grow.
Kind Words About My Work
Shannon is such a powerful healer. I love doing EMDR therapy with her — she holds an incredible container that allows me to dig deep and reach core memories I didn’t even know I had. I always feel like I’m super-speeding “the work” when I’m in her office.
One powerful example: during a session, I dropped into what felt almost like a psychedelic state within my subconscious and grieved my mother’s childhood for her. After that session, every single member of my family began treating me differently — I saw the shift in my mom, dad, and two brothers. I can’t recommend her enough!
AJ
Santa Cruz, CA
Shannon Healer is truly exceptional. She was a facilitator at a breast cancer retreat I co-hosted and led a beautiful, deeply therapeutic workshop centered around EMDR. Shannon has a rare gift for making complex healing tools feel approachable, empowering, and safe—guiding us through ways EMDR can be used to support ourselves during times of stress, emotional overwhelm, and trauma.
What stood out most was not only her skill as a therapist, but the energy she brings into a room. Shannon is warm, grounded, and incredibly comforting—someone you instantly feel at ease with. Her passion for her work is palpable, and her calm, down-to-earth presence created a space where true healing felt possible. I loved learning from and receiving her wisdom during the retreat and look forward to continuing work with her on my own personal healing journey. She is a true gift.
Hannah B
Santa Cruz, CA
I knew something in my life was holding me back and I was finding myself constantly feeling like I was treading water, but not moving forward. I came to Shannon, as a recommendation. I was constantly feeling and talking about how I was struggling to grow past who I should be and wanted to be. I was constantly battling and struggling internally and everyone around me was suffering, I was unbalanced and in a cycle of life and habits I wanted to get out of. My relationship with my wife wasn’t great, my relationship with myself was even worse. I felt alone and lost. After the birth of my 1st child I was battling to be whom I wanted and someone I never had for my family. I was able to work with Shannon for about a year and with her support and tools I was able to find love for myself, inner peace, and acceptance. I was also able to see my family and all the wonderful things I had worked so hard to build and bring into my life. No one can predict the future, but I know I deep down without Shannon’s help my life was going to crumble apart. Shannon still remains available if anything comes up and continues to show me new tools to improve and continue my progress. My family and I thank Shannon for her support.
Nick D
Santa Cruz, CA
Opening hours
Times vary depending on the service you seek. Reach out for more information.
Services
Therapy
EMDR intensives
8 week courses
Membership Platform
Community
Important links
© 2026 Shannon Healer LCSW - All Rights Reserved.
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical, psychological, or professional advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or counseling. By accessing this website, you understand that no therapist-client relationship is established, and you are solely responsible for your own decisions based on the information provided.
