Shanelle Wenell (She/Her)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Areas of Expertise:

• Victims of Gun Violence
• Complex Trauma
• Grief/Loss
• Family Systems Trauma/Relational Trauma
• Narcissistic Abuse

Educational Background:

• MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Adler Graduate School, 2015

Professional Experience:

I have worked in diverse settings, including community mental health, college campuses, nonprofits, private practices, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. My focus is primarily on complex trauma, relational trauma, and victims of violence.

Therapeutic Approach:

The therapeutic relationship is central to healing. Trauma often disrupts relationships, social systems, and families, making it challenging for victims to manage day-to-day life. I strive to deeply understand my clients, their experiences, and their journeys. Building safety and rapport is crucial for therapeutic change. My approach incorporates humor, deep questioning, and open communication to support clients. I also integrate evidence-based practices such as CBT, Brainspotting, EMDR, Mindfulness, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

About Me

I became a therapist to deeply understand others, driven by my childhood curiosity about people’s stories and lives. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children, my Bernese Mountain dog Penelope (a therapy dog in training), my horses, and friends. I love nature, cultures, traveling, wildlife, deep conversations, laughter, and reflective solitude.