Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Energy Healer
Shannon Giovingo
MSW, LCSW
Therapy for ages 21+
Hi, I’m Shannon. I work with sensitive, thoughtful people who often find themselves stuck in cycles of people-pleasing, perfectionism, or self-criticism. Many of my clients are navigating complicated relationships—with parents, partners, or friends—or are simply exhausted from always putting others first. If this feels familiar, I want you to know you don’t have to carry it alone.
In our sessions, I blend conversation with body-based practices like mindfulness, somatic therapy, and gentle awareness-building. That might look like slowing down to notice where stress lives in your body, practicing new ways to manage anxiety and set boundaries, or reconnecting with emotions you’ve learned to silence. Clients often describe me as compassionate, grounding, and insightful, and I strive to create a space where you can feel safe, supported, and understood.
My passion is helping caregivers and highly sensitive people find freedom from old patterns and rediscover their own wisdom. Healing isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong” with you—it’s about reclaiming your strength, inner balance, and capacity for connection. If you’re ready to begin, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
A little about me:
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with my cockapoo puppy, Harry, traveling with my husband, or sipping a hot cup of tea with friends. You’ll often find me exploring self-care practices like meditation, journaling, aromatherapy, labyrinth walks, and forest baths.
Education:
Washington University in St. Louis, MO; Social Work Program; Master of Social Work, 2006
Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN: Social Work Program; Bachelor of Arts, 2004
What are your top specialties?
I love working with highly sensitive people, caregivers, adult children of emotionally immature parents, and individuals who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, or complicated relationships. I’m drawn to this work because I know how isolating it can feel to be caught in those patterns, and I believe no one should have to navigate that alone. I feel most alive in a session when I see a client soften into self-understanding—when they realize they don’t have to keep fighting or hiding parts of themselves. Those moments of relief, clarity, or connection are the sparks that remind me why I do this work.
What insurance do you accept?
BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna/Evernorth and United.
What does a typical session with you look like?
A session with me is collaborative and tailored to your needs. We usually begin by checking in on how you’re arriving—what feels most present in your mind and body. From there, we may use a blend of conversation, mindful awareness, gentle body-based practices, or reflective exercises. Clients can expect a space where they are never rushed, where emotions are welcomed, and where we look for patterns that open the door to more freedom and self-trust.
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is a sensitive, thoughtful person who may have spent much of their life taking care of others or walking on eggshells in difficult relationships. They might feel stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, or self-criticism, and are ready to gently explore new ways of relating—to themselves, their bodies, and others.
What would you say to someone considering therapy with you?
You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You only need a willingness to explore and the courage to take the first step. Together, we can create a supportive space for you to rest, reset, and rediscover parts of yourself that may have been hidden or silenced. Healing is not about fixing what’s “wrong” with you—it’s about reclaiming what has always been right within you.
How do clients describe you?
Compassionate, grounding and insightful.
Shannon’s Approach
I draw from several approaches, weaving them together to fit each person:
Somatic therapy: This means working with the wisdom of the body. Instead of just talking about stress or pain, we gently notice how it shows up physically (like tightness in the chest or a knot in the stomach), and explore ways to release or shift it.
Mindfulness: I help clients slow down, breathe, and create space to notice their thoughts by learning how to witness thoughts rather than immediately identifying with them and practicing how to notice thoughts without judgment. This builds calm and self-awareness.
DBT and ACT principles: These are practical tools for handling overwhelming emotions and building healthier coping skills. I use plain, everyday strategies—like how to say "no," manage anxious spirals, or practice self acceptance instead of fighting yourself.
Energy practices and intuitive work: Some clients find it helpful to include grounding practices like sound, breath, or visualization to restore balance and reconnect with inner wisdom.
I use these methods because they support both mind and body healing, and allow clients to feel more whole, not just “treated.”
Click here for more detailed information on therapeutic modalities.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.
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Somatic interventions are therapeutic techniques that focus on the body and its relationship with the mind and emotions. They aim to promote physical and psychological well-being by addressing bodily sensations, movement, and awareness.
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce stress & enhance wellbeing through mindfulness practices, like meditation, body scans & mindful movement. to encourage present-moment awareness & acceptance.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy, specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you move beyond negative thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way by accepting that your thoughts and emotions are an appropriate response to certain situations and committing to making changes in your life that match your values.
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Using grounding practices like sound, breath, or visualization to restore balance and reconnect with inner wisdom.
Top Specialties:
Grief & Complex Grief
Highly Sensitive People
Somatic & Sound Healing Practices
Areas of Expertise:
Anxiety
Caregiver Support
Codependency
Coping Skills
Depression
Mood Disorders
People Pleasing & Perfectionism
Relationship Issues
Shame
Stress
Book with Shannon.
Interested in working together? Fill out the form below, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Questions about insurance?
Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.