Meet Shanna Conner
Play Therapy Professional
Shanna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Play Therapy Professional, and a National Certified Counselor. She has additional training as an adoption-competent therapist with extensive experience supporting children and their families working through adoption related issues.
Shanna specializes in Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), an evidenced based approach uniquely suited to assist children in a developmentally appropriate way. CCPT has been proven effective for children ages 3 to 14 with social, emotional, relational, and behavioral disorders. Shanna trained directly under internationally recognized CCPT expert, Dr. Brenna Hicks and continues a professional connection with Dr. Hicks. Shanna’s expertise is with children ages 3 to 12 who are experiencing adoption-related issues, anxiety, aggression, ADHD, school issues, and family conflict.
As a family therapist, Shanna values parents as part of the therapeutic process and invites parents’ involvement in their child’s healing journey, understanding that changes in the home and within the child can create a synergistic healing process.
Certified Play Therapy Professional™
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” ~ Friedrich Froebel
Testimonials
Parent of a 4 yr old
“Play therapy gave my son a place to work through some challenging feelings and behaviors. I could tell Shanna truly cared about him and was invested not just in him and his growth, but in our success as a family. She helped me understand some of the reasons behind my son’s behavior and gave me tools and techniques to support him. Her support and guidance helped my son learn about his own inner world, and made me feel more equipped and confident as a parent.”
Adoptive Parents
“Shanna and her expertise changed our little girl’s life. Her approach to therapy was instrumental in helping our child process her emotions and trauma. Shanna also helped my husband and I problem solve through tough behaviors and gently guided us through some of the hardest parenting challenges. All of our lives were positively impacted by her and her knowledge. She truly came alongside us. We are forever grateful.”
Dan Sparling, Director of Child Placement, Gateway Woods Family Services
“I have known and worked with Shanna and I have seen her deep compassion and care for kids and families walking through an adoption journey. She has devoted a lot of time to learn how to support children and families and has an incredible amount of knowledge and experience. Not only this, but she also cares deeply about children and families working through adoption.”
Schedule a Free,
One Hour Consulation
Play therapy at Acorn & Oak provides a place of healing, strengthening the roots of your child for a happy and hope-filled future. Call to book your free consultation today!