Shannon Madden

Hello! Thank you for considering me as your counselor. Let me give you an overview of my counseling style, education, experience and personal background.

Counseling Style:
My theoretical approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe our thoughts lead to our emotions and behaviors. Initially, I use worksheets to help you uncover underlying beliefs you have about events or issues that lead to uncomfortable emotions or self-defeating behaviors. I also like to tie in neurobiology to help you understand that we can manipulate the way our brains work to speed up change. I tend to use humor initially to break the ice and normalize behaviors.

Education:
I earned by Masters of Counseling at University of Phoenix in 2002. I also received a Master of Arts in Organizational Management in 2001 at University of Phoenix. I was pursuing my Doctorate in Neuropsychology at Argosy University from 2010 – 2013 but my life plan changed so I decided not to complete the degree. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University. I am required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain my license; therefore, I have extensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Posttramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), neuropsychology, depression and anxiety.

Experience:
I started in the mental health field as a Crisis Counselor for the Phoenix Fire Department for four years while I was getting my Masters degrees. After graduation, I became a Crisis Counselor in emergency rooms throughout the Valley for six years. I transitioned into a traditional counselor position specializing in PTSD with police officers, fire fighters, and military personnel. I also really enjoyed working with people in life transitions (careers, school, retirement, marriage, dating, etc.). I became the Director of Psychological Health for the Arizona Army National Guard in 2013 working with soldiers in pre- and post-deployment phases, suicide prevention, PTSD, and military sexual trauma. When that contract ended, I helped open Quail Run Behavioral Health Hospital as the Director of Intake & Assessment. I currently work for Arizona’s state crisis system and am in a telecommuting position. I missed individual counseling and am thrilled to be a part of the Better Help team.

Personal Background:
I am a 3rd generation native Arizonan (my mom and grandmother were born and raised in Phoenix which is very rare). I grew up in Flagstaff and moved to Phoenix after graduating from NAU. I decided to pursue a counseling career after my aunt’s experience in the emergency room when my uncle died suddenly and unexpectedly at 46 years old. I knew there was a compassionate way to deliver heartbreaking and life-changing information. I also had a wonderful counselor who helped me recover from PTSD after my brief stint in the military. I have been divorced twice and recently relocated to Phoenix to be closer to family & friends. I have 2 spoiled dachshunds and love to travel and am learning to crochet.

Thank you for taking time to read my bio and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.