Shannon Beaton

MSW Registered Clinical Social Work Intern

International Credentialed Sand Tray Therapist 

I am passionate about supporting children and adolescents in developing emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence within a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment. I specialize in working with youth experiencing emotional dysregulation, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, and family stressors, including DCF involvement and major life transitions. I am particularly attuned to children who may struggle to express themselves verbally and benefit from more creative, experiential forms of therapy.

My approach is child-centered, relational, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. I believe that when children and teens feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood, they are better able to process their experiences and move toward meaningful growth and healing.

I utilize a range of evidence-informed, play-based modalities, including Child-Centered Play Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, Theraplay, sand tray therapy, and expressive arts interventions. These approaches allow clients to explore emotions, build insight, strengthen relationships, and develop effective coping skills in ways that feel natural and developmentally appropriate.

I am currently earning my Registered Play Therapist™ credential through the Association for Play Therapy and am a Credentialed Sandtray Therapist through the International Association for Sandtray Therapy.

Through creativity, play, and a strong therapeutic relationship, I help children and adolescents build self-esteem, improve emotional regulation, and develop the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and security.