Shannon Landon, MS, ALMFT

Personal Statement

I believe that we all need safety and security to own the full complexity of our human experience. When we receive this, we gain the strength and courage to do things differently in pursuit of deeper and more satisfying connection with self and others. As a couple and family therapist, I work to provide a sense of safety for my clients within the therapeutic relationship. I feel truly privileged to witness my clients own their authentic experience and use this ownership to heal.

Who I Serve

I provide services for individuals (ages 12+), couples, and families. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression or stress within your partnership and family relationships, I would be happy to hear from you. I especially enjoy working with adults recovering from childhood trauma and with couples experiencing conflict or disconnection in their relationship. 

I take a holistic approach to trauma recovery, believing that our mind, body, and spirit are all important parts in the healing process. I have experience working with adult survivors of childhood emotional abuse and neglect, childhood physical and sexual abuse, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). 

My work with couples includes helping partners to identify patterns of relating which leave them feeling stuck and isolated. I then work to provide both partners with the safety needed to explore the emotional experience beneath their roles in the pattern and share this experience with each other in more helpful ways. I am passionate about helping couples find new ways of relating which lead to more positive feelings towards self and a deeper, more satisfying bond. 

Specialty Treatment Areas

• Trauma recovery
• Couples therapy
• Family therapy
• Identity/Self-esteem
• Anxiety/Depression

Additional Treatment Areas

• Life transitions
• Perinatal mental health
• Parent-child relationship problems
• Emotional regulation
• Spiritual concerns
• Religious trauma
• LGBTQ+ affirming

Theoretical Approach

I view presenting problems through the lens of attachment theory, believing that our relational experiences powerfully shape our sense of self and others, thereby impacting our way of being in the world. I use experiential techniques to help my clients access and process key emotional experiences, and use this processing to identify clear steps towards change. My work is also heavily informed by family systems theory, meaning that I view problems within the context of the important relational groups to which we belong. 

As a synthesis of these theories, I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in my work with individuals, couples, and families. To support my use of this model, I completed an Emotionally Focused Therapy training externship. In addition, I enjoy incorporating guided imagery and body-based self soothing techniques into my work with clients.

Insurance Networks

• Private pay
• Aetna
• BCBS PPO
• Cigna (Evernorth)
• TriCare

Education/Certifications

• ALMFT in the State of Illinois
• M.S. Human Development and Family Sciences/Marriage and Family Therapy, NIU
• B.A. Applied Communications, National-Louis University
• Certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Levels 1 & 2
• Completed Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Affiliations/Memberships

• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
• International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)