Hello Everyone! My name is Shannon Gonter & I am excited to join the Yes Louisville group of Positive Voices contributors where I’ll be sharing monthly on topics related to mental health! I am originally from Florida and am a Louisville transplant, but am glad to now call Kentucky my home. I moved to Louisville to continue my education after graduating from Florida State University, and I completed my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at the University of Louisville in 2016. I am now a licensed professional counselor in the state of Kentucky.
To further my education after graduate school, I enrolled in a yearlong certificate program in advanced psychotherapy through Bellarmine University Wayne Institute in which I deepened my knowledge in understanding the psyche and how one becomes their most authentic self.
I specialize in working with men and young adults. I am passionate about my career and want to work with individuals to create positive change. I also strive to create a counseling environment where men and young adults can relate, feel heard, and find new solutions to their negative patterns. Some issues that I most commonly work with are stress, relationship issues, difficulty saying “no” to others, difficulties recognizing emotions and emotionally connecting to others, anger, and intimacy issues, among others.
My approach is informed by contemporary psychodynamic theory and practice and trauma/attachment research. All is considered through a strength-based lens. The goals of psychodynamic counseling are to increase self-awareness and your understanding of how the past influences your present behavior.
I am well-versed in evidenced based treatment models that address presenting problems such as depression, anxiety, effects of traumatic experience, stress, and family and relationship issues. My training and experience includes working in a variety of different settings including schools, hospitals, and community mental health settings.
In my personal time, I enjoy being active (yoga, walking, hiking, skiing, kayaking…), spending time with my family and friends, binge watching the latest shows, and trying all the wonderful restaurants Louisville has to offer. I thoroughly love laughing, in all capacities, and often incorporate humor into my therapy sessions.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency and need to talk, contact Louisville-based Centerstone 24-Hour Hotline at (502) 589-4313 or the National Suicide Prevention/Talk Line at (800) 273-TALK.