Mrs. Carmen Shannon Larson LCSW, LICSW

Success in therapy looks different for everyone because it’s deeply personal and depends on the unique goals and challenges of each individual. However, there are some key signs that can indicate progress and growth during the therapeutic process: Increased Self-Awareness: As you begin to understand yourself better—your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors—you’ll likely notice that you can identify triggers or patterns more clearly. This awareness is the first step toward healing and positive change. Emotional Regulation: Over time, you may notice that you're able to manage difficult emotions more effectively. You might feel less overwhelmed by anxiety or sadness and have more tools at your disposal to cope with stress. Improved Relationships: Whether with family, friends, or coworkers, successful therapy often leads to healthier, more fulfilling relationships. If you're noticing better communication, boundaries, or connection with others, that’s a clear sign of progress. Less Self-Criticism: If you’ve struggled with negative self-talk or low self-esteem, success in therapy can look like a shift in how you see yourself. You may begin to feel more accepting of who you are, recognizing your strengths and capacity for growth. Relief from Symptoms: If you came to therapy with specific mental health concerns—like anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms—progress might look like a reduction in those symptoms. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll disappear completely, but you might notice that they feel more manageable, less intense, or less frequent over time. Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: Ultimately, success in therapy means feeling more empowered to make decisions that are right for you and to advocate for your own needs. You might start feeling more confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges and trust yourself more. Progress isn’t always linear, and there will be days that feel harder than others—but small shifts, even if they feel subtle at first, are still signs that you’re moving forward. Success is about moving toward a more balanced, fulfilled, and self-aware version of yourself. If you're feeling more in control, less burdened by the past, and more connected to your true self, you’re absolutely making progress. Above all, success in therapy is about feeling heard, supported, and empowered to live the life you want to lead. You’ll know you’re making progress when you start to feel more hopeful about the future and capable of handling what comes your way.

• Texas, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 109223
• New Mexico, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SWB-2025-0225
• Virginia, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 0904017959
• West Virginia, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, DP00947141

With nearly a decade of experience in the field of social work, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through a wide range of challenges. My journey began with my education at Texas A&M and UT, where I developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and the complexities of mental health. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in diverse settings, which have shaped my approach to therapy. My experience in a correctional facility was particularly eye-opening, where I worked with individuals facing not only the effects of trauma but also the added layers of systemic struggles, legal challenges, and mental health concerns. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of crisis management and how trauma affects individuals from all walks of life. In my time at a social service agency, I was able to work with a variety of clients who were struggling with everything from family dynamics to substance misuse. These experiences taught me how to engage with clients in a compassionate, nonjudgmental way while still holding space for the tough work of confronting and overcoming difficult issues. I also spent time providing telehealth counseling, which allowed me to connect with clients remotely and meet them where they were. This work gave me an even broader understanding of how mental health affects people in their everyday lives, and I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it can be for someone to work through their challenges from the comfort of their own space. All of these roles have deepened my expertise in trauma recovery, mental health assessments, crisis intervention, and working with individuals facing substance misuse and complex family dynamics. I’m committed to helping people find healing, empowerment, and the tools they need to navigate their own life journeys.