I'm Shannon Bruckner, a therapist licensed in Georgia and South Carolina who specializes in trauma, addiction, first responder mental health, and helping people build lives that feel authentic and meaningful.
Credentials for the curious and nerdy: I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and doctoral candidate (DSW) at Tulane University.
My goal is for this experience to feel both grounding and genuinely human. I value laughter, self-reflection, tough conversations, and the freedom to be exactly who you are — messy, growing, brilliant, and everything in between.
I became a therapist because I love people. I love hearing their stories, helping them make sense of their experiences, and watching them discover strengths they didn't know they had.
I also know firsthand how important it is to have a space where difficult things can be talked about openly. As someone with my own history of childhood sexual abuse, I wanted to help create the kind of space I wish had existed for me when I was younger.
I currently live in Watkinsville with my partner, two human kids, and four furbabies.
For those who speak astrology, I'm a Virgo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, and Aquarius Rising.
I am an elder Millennial, INFJ, bleeding heart, anti-TERF Hufflepuff, eldest daughter, overly caffeinated, lover of tattoos and "that's what she said" jokes.
Welcome!
frequently asked questions
Q: What is your rate? A: My hourly rate is $120 if you don't have insurance. Some sliding scale available on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What insurance do you take? A: Currently I can take Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, Cigna, Oscar, Optum, and United Healthcare. I am also happy to provide a superbill if you have a different insurance company but cannot guarantee that you will receive reimbursement.
Q: So.. how does this work? A: We'll start with either a consult (highly recommended but not required) or a first session. The consult is a place for us to both make sure the vibe is good and I can help with what you need. The first session, or intake, is where you get to tell me your story and what's bringing you to therapy. After that, therapy is a space to vent, curse, laugh, cry - whatever you need it to be!
Q: Do you write letters for emotional support animals? A: Yes, but only for established clients. Please note that this is different than registering a service animal, which is more detailed and not something I do.
Q: What do you help people with? A: People come to therapy for all kinds of reasons. Some are navigating relationship difficulties, questions around sexuality or gender identity, religious trauma, experiences of domestic or sexual violence, childhood abuse, addiction, OCD, perfectionism, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or challenges with boundaries and self-worth. Others simply feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves and aren't sure where to start. You don't need to fit neatly into a diagnosis or have the "right" reason to seek therapy. If I don't believe I'm the best person to support your needs, I'll be honest about that and help connect you with someone who may be a better fit.
Q: Do you write letters for gender affirming procedures? A: Absolutely - these are provided at no cost according to GALAP standards and do not require you to be a client. Just schedule a consult and I'll get the info I need from you!
Q: What is your approach to therapy? A: I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I draw from a variety of approaches, including CBT, ACT, and feminist therapy, and tailor therapy to the person sitting in front of me. My goal is to create a space where you can show up as yourself, explore what's weighing on you without judgment, reduce shame where it shows up, and build a life that feels more authentic and meaningful to you.
Q: Do you provide in-person or virtual sessions? A: Either! I'm located in Watkinsville, just past the Oconee Connector. As long as you're in the state of Georgia or South Carolina, virtual sessions are completely fine with me. Virtual requires you to have a decent internet connection, a private and secure space to talk, and you cannot be driving - in your car is fine, but you must be pulled over safely.
Q: What is your cancellation policy? A: I ask for 24 hours notice before a session so that I can offer the available time to another client. If it's within that 24 hour window, I do charge a $75 late cancellation/no show fee.