- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin
- CBT and ACT
About Shanekka
Shanekka Brown-Johnson is an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) practicing in California with 14 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, self-esteem struggles, and major life changes. Shanekka also focuses on family of origin issues and related concerns like abandonment, adoption and foster care, and communication problems.
She draws on several well-known therapy methods to guide sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports people in clarifying values and taking committed action. Motivational Interviewing is used to explore readiness for change and strengthen motivation.
Shanekka’s background includes work across many settings, such as residential mental health, substance abuse treatment, schools, domestic violence and family shelters, and outpatient care. That experience informs how she supports people through adjustment, co-occurring concerns, and recovery maintenance.
Sessions tend to be person-centered and culturally attuned. Conversations focus on practical skills for managing panic, mood disorders, and feeling isolated or overwhelmed. People also bring questions about forgiveness, guilt, control, and life purpose.
She has experience with diverse populations including LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals, and with caregiving stress and workplace or relationship conflict. For someone noticing patterns from their childhood still shaping everyday life, Shanekka offers a mix of structured tools and reflective listening to clarify next steps.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Shanekka uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people spot and change thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. CBT is often useful for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns because it focuses on clear, practical steps.She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people clarify what matters to them and take action even when uncomfortable feelings are present. ACT can be helpful for people wrestling with life purpose, shame, or persistent worry.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, try methods in session, and adjust based on the client’s goals and preferences. This collaborative process helps identify which strategies fit best for managing family of origin patterns or current stressors.
If you plan to use online sessions, confirm the current session formats before booking. The clinician can explain which options are available and how they fit into your schedule. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce the time spent traveling to appointments.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
California, Alaska
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include family of origin issues, abandonment, adoption and foster care, and communication problems.
What style of therapy does she use?
Sessions use a mix of approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Shanekka combines methods to match the client’s goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has 14 years of clinical experience across residential, school, shelter, and outpatient settings. That background informs work with adjustment, co-occurring concerns, and recovery maintenance.
What credentials and location apply?
She is an LMFT with licensure noted in Alaska (AK LMFT) and California (CA LMFT), and she practices in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she take international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.