Dr. Shanna Reeves
About Dr. Reeves
I completed both my masters and doctoral degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. My training continued on internship at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, as well as two years of postdoctoral training in the Austin area, providing comprehensive mental health services through an area school district’s Psychological Services Team. I also served on the district’s multidisciplinary Autism assessment team, and served as the primary consult for the emotionally/behaviorally challenged classrooms at elementary. I have also developed a specialization in working with people and families impacted by chronic illness, such as cancer and blood disorders, and chronic mental illness in hospital, clinic and community agency settings. I have extensive experience in the treatment of mood and anxiety symptoms in children and adults. I incorporate elements of solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral and family systems therapy, tailored to meet each individual where they are in the course of their lives. I believe in providing integrated treatment approaches for the whole person, incorporating belief systems, past experiences overcoming adversity, and future motivations. I am also a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology with experience in special education and educational systems, so I bring a practical, real-world approach to assessment for school- and college-aged individuals, and adult learners as well. I have particular expertise in assessments targeting learning difficulties, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum, and social-emotional concerns/adjustment in children, adolescents, and adults. I am committed to serving the needs of a diverse Austin community, one in which I am proud to live and work, and to call home.
Therapy Statement
In all of life’s challenges we are faced with decisions and situations that may seem insurmountable. We may all wonder how we are going to traverse what seems like a murky path ahead. I think that these challenges, while daunting and stressful, are the universal experience through which we all grow. What seems at first to hinder us can actually become the process by which we transform.
I feel fortunate when I partner with someone to promote healthy change and personal growth, as it is a great honor to be allowed to share in the suffering and joy of others through a therapeutic relationship. Therapy is a process that we’ll navigate collaboratively. I believe you already possess a number of strengths to build upon. I bring specialized training to the table, and it’s my role to help you identify your areas of strength and to maximize them, while building up new patterns of thinking and being to support healthy change. If you, your child or adolescent has a need for the support of a therapy relationship, or if you just need to sit and talk with someone to get some ideas on the best course of action to address a situation in your life you want to change, I am happy to help.
Areas of Therapy/Consultation Specialization
- Anxiety, depression, and mood difficulties
- Trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Coping with chronic physical illnesses (such as cancer and blood disorders)
- Supporting parents/families who have a child with a chronic physical/mental illness
- Academic coaching and consultation
Assessment Statement
When you, your child, or your teen are experiencing difficulties that are multi-faceted or very complex (which is sometimes the case), psychological or psychoeducational assessment can be an effective way to get some clarity and make well-informed decisions on what will help best moving forward. I specialize in assessment of ADD/ADHD, mood/anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome) , learning differences, and cognitive processing differences. I make a point when I am writing reports to make them highly readable, easy to understand, integrated, and practical so that recommendations are ones that can be realistically applied in multiple environments while being highly individualized to your needs. I like to think of assessment as your opportunity to learn much more about yourself or your child than you had hoped, and I have often heard that after feedback, my clients continue to re-conceptualize themselves, their strengths and their challenges based upon the information revealed through a comprehensive and integrated psychological assessment. It can often be a springboard for new growth and awareness, setting you or your child up for success in ways you may have never considered.
Areas of Assessment Specialization:
- Learning difficulties, including dyslexia
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism spectrum disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome)
- Anxiety, depression, and other mood difficulties
Degrees/Licenses:
2001—B.S., Texas A&M University
2005—M.A., The University of Texas at Austin
2008—Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
Texas Licensed Psychologist License #34797
Texas Licensed Specialist in School Psychology #34610