Shannon Madden , LPC

Shannon Madden is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Arizona with 26 years of experience in crisis intervention, trauma work, and life transitions. She blends evidence-based techniques with a practical understanding of neurobiology to help clients shift unhelpful thought patterns and accelerate emotional change. Shannon emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a core framework, using structured exercises and worksheets to surface underlying beliefs that drive emotions and behaviors, while also drawing on humor to ease initial tension and normalize common reactions.

Her academic background includes a Master of Counseling and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University. She pursued doctoral study in neuropsychology and maintains an ongoing commitment to professional development, completing required continuing education and additional training in EMDR, posttraumatic stress disorder, neuropsychology, depression, and anxiety.

Shannon’s clinical career began as a crisis counselor with the Phoenix Fire Department and in hospital emergency departments, followed by specialized PTSD work with first responders and military personnel. She served as Director of Psychological Health for the Arizona Army National Guard in 2013 and later helped establish intake and assessment services at a behavioral health hospital. She currently contributes to Arizona’s state crisis system in a telecommuting role. A third-generation Arizonan who grew up in Flagstaff, Shannon was drawn to counseling after family experiences with sudden loss and recovery from trauma. She has been divorced twice, recently relocated to Phoenix to be near family and friends, and enjoys travel, crocheting, and spending time with her two spoiled dachshunds. She looks forward to the opportunity to support people navigating stress, grief, relationships, career changes, and recovery from trauma.

Approaches That Guide Online Sessions

Shannon often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a structured approach that helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Client-Centered Therapy is another cornerstone of her work, focusing on empathic listening, validation, and supporting clients to find their own solutions for relationship, career, and life transition issues. She also draws from Emotionally-Focused Therapy when relational patterns and attachment needs are central, helping partners and individuals explore emotions and reshape interactions to improve connection and healing.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Shannon works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts methods over time rather than relying on a single technique. Clients are invited to participate in choosing strategies that feel most helpful and relevant to their situation.

Online therapy with Shannon is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexible ways to fit care into busy schedules. These options make it easier to continue therapy during life transitions, manage ongoing stress, or access support when in-person visits are difficult. Licensed professionals can use the same therapeutic tools online as they do in person, and Shannon tailors her use of worksheets, exercises, and conversation to the format that best supports each client.