Shannon Rapalo Medina , LICSW

Shannon Rapalo Medina is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Minnesota with seven years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people navigate stress and anxiety, process trauma and abuse, cope with grief and loss, and strengthen motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Shannon aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be shared honestly and explored with care.

Recognizing that seeking change takes courage, she offers steady support and practical guidance to empower clients as they take steps toward a more fulfilling life. Shannon works collaboratively to set realistic goals, build coping skills, and translate therapeutic insights into everyday routines. Her approach centers on respect, empathy, and attention to each personâs strengths while addressing difficult emotions and past experiences.

Shannon adapts evidence-informed methods to each individualâs needs and pace, helping people manage immediate symptoms and pursue longer-term personal growth. She meets clients where they are and accompanies them through the process of healing and change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Treatment Options

Shannon commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and she also draws on Trauma-Focused Therapy when addressing past harm. CBT helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and build practical skills for managing symptoms such as anxiety and low mood. DBT emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relational skills, which can be especially helpful for intense emotions and improving day-to-day coping. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on processing and integrating traumatic experiences in ways that reduce their ongoing impact and support recovery.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic work. Shannon collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and current needs, adjusting the plan as progress is made. This collaborative process helps tailor treatment to what will be most useful for the individual.

Online therapy with Shannon is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which supports flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care from where someone lives, balance therapy with other commitments, and continue work on skills between sessions.