Miss Shannon Leigh Cross, MA

Hello, I’m Shannon, A Psychologist/Counsellor specialising in Trauma, anxiety, relationships and BPD. My journey into therapy began with an interest in understanding how our experiences shape the way we see ourselves, our relationships and the world around us. I became particularly interested in the ways that difficult experiences can influence our emotional responses and patterns of behaviour, sometimes long after the original experience has passed. Since then, I have developed a particular interest in helping people understand themselves more deeply, navigate difficult experiences and build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Over the years, I have worked with individuals and couples experiencing a wide range of challenges, including with individuals and couples experiencing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, stress and burnout, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, low self-esteem, life transitions and the impact of difficult or traumatic experiences. My experience has taught me that there is no single approach that works for everyone. Every person brings their own history, personality, relationships, values and circumstances into therapy, which is why I believe therapy should be individualised, collaborative and flexible. My therapeutic style is warm, empathetic, direct, compassionate, practical, non-judgemental. I aim to create an environment where you can feel safe enough to explore difficult thoughts, emotions and experiences while also feeling supported to make meaningful changes. I draw upon a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology and Mindfulness-based approaches. I also have certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), which I use when working with couples who want to improve their emotional connection and relationship. I believe therapy should be more than simply talking about problems. While having a space to be heard and understood is incredibly important, I also want clients to leave sessions with greater insight, practical tools and a clearer understanding of how they can move forward. Where appropriate, I incorporate exercises and strategies that can be used between sessions and within everyday life. One of the things I value most about being a therapist is being able to meet people where they are and create a space where they feel truly heard and understood. I find it incredibly rewarding to see clients develop greater self-awareness, begin to understand the reasons behind their thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and discover that they have more choices and possibilities than they may have initially believed. Watching someone grow in confidence and begin to make meaningful changes in their life is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. I also recognise that starting therapy can feel daunting. You may not know exactly what you need, where to begin, or even whether therapy is right for you. You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. My role is to meet you where you are, understand what you are experiencing and work collaboratively with you to identify where you would like to go from there. Outside of my professional work, I’m a passionate animal lover and enjoy spending time with my pets. I also love crochet and find it a relaxing and creative way to unwind. Living near the coast, I particularly enjoy spending time at the beach and snorkelling whenever I can. Ultimately, my aim is to provide a space where you feel heard, respected, understood and supported, while helping you develop the skills and confidence to create lasting change. If you feel ready to take the first step, I would be happy to hear from you.