Shannon Kratky

<p>Shannon Kratky (she/they) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the State of Texas. She holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Texas at San Antonio and Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies from Texas Tech University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Oregon State University. Her research interests include the process of healing for adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, LGBTQiA2S+ identities, and anti-ableism.</p> <p><br />Shannon has worked in the field of mental health since 2009, when she started her career as a Special Education Teacher for students experiencing behavioural and mental health concerns. She has worked in multiple settings throughout her career in mental health, including employment as an advocate and counsellor at the Rape Crisis Center, field researcher for the National Drug and Alcohol Study, and Behavioral Health Specialist in the Greater Denver Metro Area. Shannon has journeyed alongside fellow humans in residential and outpatient centres who are seeking recovery from mental health concerns, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. She currently specialises in the treatment of (Complex) PTSD, LGBTQiA2S+ needs, and substance use.</p> <p><br/>Shannon is certified in Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy through the EMDR International Association and enjoys utilising this evidence-based, mind-body therapeutic modality to help clients experiencing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and other forms of “disturbance” in their lives.</p> <p><br />Shannon has presented at various national conferences and universities on numerous topics, including LGBTQiA+ needs, (Complex) PTSD, childhood sexual abuse, human- and sex-trafficking, addiction and substance use/mis-use, trauma-informed care, self-care, private practice, professionalism, and more. She thoroughly enjoys connecting with others through teaching and collaboration.</p> <p> <br/>Shannon currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Council for the National Board of Certified Counselors’ Minority Fellowship Program in Addictions Counseling. She also serves as Co-Chair of the NAADAC (The Association for Addiction Professionals) LGBTQiA+ Clinical Standards Committee. Shannon enjoys and values her opportunities to advocate for her fellow humans, as well as the counselling profession.</p> <p><br/>While attending UTSA, Shannon was awarded and completed the Minority Fellowship Program in Addictions Counseling by the National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF), where she committed to providing services for underserved and never-served populations. As a mental health and substance use counsellor, Shannon remains committed to serving these populations.</p>