Shannon Castellini, PsyD
I offer therapy for adults, teens, children, and parents. My approach is flexible and tailored to each person’s unique needs, drawing from different therapeutic methods including psychodynamic therapy, CBT, DBT, and ACT. I am deeply curious about what brings people joy and what they care about, and I’ll always take the time to learn about the things that matter most to the people I work with. I collaborate with my clients to help them, see the value in themselves and develop a sense of agency in their lives.
I have a special focus on helping people navigate anxiety, depression, and life changes. I am also passionate about working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with Autism, ADHD, learning differences, and giftedness. I consider how someone’s unique learning and communication style affects their journey, and I enjoy using creative techniques that make therapy more engaging and comfortable.
With adults, my goal is to create a warm and nonjudgmental space where they feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Together, we’ll look at how past experiences shape their present and work toward breaking unhelpful patterns that may be affecting their relationships. I take a holistic view, considering all aspects of a person’s life that contribute to their well-being, and I want to help my clients recognize their own strengths.
When working with children and teens, I make sure they feel heard and supported in a way that feels natural to them. I adapt the therapy space to meet each child’s specific needs—whether that means making it more relaxing or incorporating tools that help them feel at ease. For younger children, I incorporate play therapy, as kids often express themselves best through play. I also love using art and creativity, helping children develop tools like sensory toys, social stories, and coping cards to manage their emotions. I provide a safe space for teens to talk about their experiences, discover their values, and set goals as they navigate growing independence. I often collaborate with schools to ensure my clients get the support they need.
I also offer parents guidance on how to better understand their child’s needs, build stronger connections, and overcome challenges using developmentally appropriate strategies. I help parents create home environments that encourage their children’s growth and independence. I am also trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety.
I earned my doctorate in School and Clinical-Child Psychology from Pace University and completed my post-doctoral training at the Quad Preparatory School, a specialized NYC school for twice-exceptional youth. There, I ran wellness groups based on DBT, helping students manage emotional and executive functioning challenges. My pre-doctoral internship was at Kings County Hospital, where I worked with clients of all ages, leading therapy groups and offering support for a range of mental health concerns. I have also trained at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Four Winds Hospital, and in various school settings across different age groups.