Kelsi Shannon, MA

Kelsi Shannon, MA, is a Registered Psychological Associate (PA Registration #94029657) working under the supervision of Dr. Helen Hayden-Wade (License Number: CA PSY #19313) as she completes her final requirements toward licensure as a psychologist.

Therapy for Anxiety, Trauma & ADHD in San Diego

Her clinical practice includes children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. She offers a collaborative, trauma-informed approach that helps clients understand the patterns shaping their lives and build lasting resilience.

Support for Adolescents & Young Adults

Kelsi is especially passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults as they develop a stronger sense of identity, healthy coping skills, and self-advocacy. A primary focus of her practice is supporting individuals with ADHD and high sensitivity (HSP). Through a neurodiversity-affirming approach, she helps clients strengthen emotional regulation and executive functioning. She is LGBTQIA+ affirming and incorporates each client’s cultural, developmental, and family context into treatment.

"Kelsi’s approach is grounded in the belief that healing begins with feeling understood. She creates a collaborative, supportive space where clients can build resilience, strengthen self-awareness, and move toward greater authenticity and meaningful connection."

Clinical Focus

Anxiety
ADHD
PTSD
Highly Sensitive People (HSP)
Grief and Loss
Child and Adolescent Psychology
Family Conflict and Divorce
Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation

Therapeutic Modalities

Integrative and Holistic Mind-Body Approaches
Humanistic and Person-Centered Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy (EMDR in Training)
Motivational Interviewing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-informed)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-Informed)
Jungian Depth-Oriented Therapy including Dreamwork

Experience and Background

Before becoming a therapist, Kelsi earned degrees in chemical engineering and civil and environmental engineering, giving her a thoughtful and analytical perspective that continues to inform her clinical work. She later pursued a master’s degree in counseling psychology and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Kelsi also has more than five years of school-based mental health experience, collaborating with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams while supporting students through IEP and 504 accommodations.

Age Groups Served

Children (5-12), Adolescents (13-17), Adults (18-65)

Inspiration & Balance

Kelsi’s professional interests include family systems, trauma, neurodivergence, educational advocacy, and post-traumatic growth. Outside the therapy room, she enjoys volunteering with refugee and youth communities, practicing vinyasa yoga, snowboarding, and connecting with nature.