About Ryan Shannon, LMHCA, MS, MA

Hi, I’m Ryan! I grew up in Bellingham, WA, earned two degrees abroad (in Italy and Spain), and am a former psychometrist and marketer-turned-therapist! I chose this path because, no matter how dire the circumstance, I believe we’re all capable of change if we receive encouragement from someone we trust. Someone who’s on our side, who helps us be the best version of ourselves. I hope to be that someone for you. I strive to see the good in clients, even when it’s hard for them to see it in themselves. My goal is to help you live a more meaningful life, no matter how that looks for you.

Here’s how therapy tends to work with me. I find that when we become aware of our conditioned behaviors, we develop introspection, which allows us to introduce new, positive behaviors. Therapy with me tends to be insight and action-oriented. To help you progress, I assign behavioral challenges (‘missions’) throughout the week.

Professional headshot of a smiling young man with blue eyes and short brown hair.
Professional headshot of a smiling young man with blue eyes and short brown hair.

I see evidence that early childhood and the subconscious influence, but do not deterministically define our current behavior (I take an “Adlerian” or “Psychodynamic” approach). Through awareness, effective interventions, and effort, we can shape better, more positive behaviors as adults.

I tend to work well with clients of all types, although the following groups seem most drawn to me: young adults; Gen Z and millennials; men experiencing loneliness, relationship issues, insecurity, and sexual identity issues; gay and bisexual men; women with children, single moms, single young adult women working on attachment issues; those working toward forming meaningful relationships and healthy dating.

I use tools like EMDR to neutralize past negative events/traumas, and find this is one of the most effective tools for clients. I also integrate gold-standard evidence-based treatments for PTSD (and not only), like CPT and CBT. I’d be happy to explain that further and answer any questions you might have with a free consultation. It’s a great, risk-free way for you to feel my vibe. Looking forward!

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family, fiancé, and friends, being in nature, DIY projects, and working on renovation projects. I’m big on walking everywhere and walkable places, bike riding, growing food in the garden, and am engaged in Vipassana meditation (not as often as I’d like!).

Free 15-Minute Consultation

To see how I can assist you and see if I'm someone you feel comfortable with, I offer a free 15-minute consultation. I'm available to answer any questions you may have.

Schedule Free Consult

My Professional Journey

My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by a diverse background in psychology, research, marketing, and clinical assessment. Before entering the counseling field, I worked in marketing and gained hands-on experience conducting psychological assessments in both hospital and outpatient settings.

These experiences deepened my understanding of human behavior and reinforced my passion for helping people overcome challenges, heal from difficult experiences, and move toward a more fulfilling life.

Education and Clinical Training

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marshall University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. My graduate education focused on counseling theory, psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment approaches.

I also hold a Master of Science in Work and Organizational Psychology from the University of Seville, where I developed a strong foundation in understanding motivation, behavior, and the psychological factors that influence well-being.

My clinical interests include working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, life transitions, and personal growth challenges. I utilize approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed care, in addition to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I also integrate important theoretical frameworks, including Adlerian Psychology (or Individual Psychology), as well as Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Developmental Model.

A Personal Note

I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel heard, respected, and understood. Everyone brings a unique history, set of strengths, and personal goals into therapy. My role is to help you identify patterns, develop new tools, and make changes that align with the life you want to create.

Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy spending time outdoors through hiking and camping, exploring new places through international travel, reading, practicing mindfulness, and connecting with the people who matter most.

Education & Credentials

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA, 4.0 GPA, Marshall University

  • Work & Organizational Psychology, MS, University of Seville

  • Business & Management, BS, University of Turin & University of Rome Tor Vergata

  • Whatcom Community College, 'Running Start' (co-enrolled in high school and college). Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Washington State (MHCA.MC.70082181). I receive supervision from Ashlee Marozick, LMHC

  • Resume

Completed Trainings & Continuing Education

  • Legally and Ethically Launching your Private Practice, Eric Strom, JD, PhD, 2026

  • CPTWeb2.0, Medical University of South Carolina, 2025

  • Psychological First Aid (PFA), The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2025

  • EMDR Basic Training, Part 1, Bill White, LCSW, 2025

  • EMDR Basic Training, Part 2, Bill White, LCSW, 2026

  • Mindfulness Interventions in Clinical Practice, Teresa Crowe, PhD, LCSWC, 2025

  • Cultural Competency Program for Disaster and Emergency Management, An introduction to culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Offices of Minority Health, 2025

  • TeleBehavioral Health 101, Harborview Behavioral Health Institute, 2025

  • Washington State Healthcare Professional Telemedicine Training, Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center, 2024

  • Human Research: Behavioral & Social Science Research, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, 2024

Clinical Experience

  • Internship, 600 hours, AIM Counseling Services, 2025

  • Project Access Northwest: Pro Bono Counseling, 2025

  • Give an Hour (Pro Bono Counseling for Active Military and Vets), 2025

  • Practicum, 100 hours, Pathways Mental Health Counseling, 2025

  • Psychometrist Assistant, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), 2024