Meet Sheila Keenan licsw
Quiet the inner critic and live the life you want to live.
Ready to feel at peace with yourself?
You’re in the right place.
You don’t have to live in constant worry and self-doubt.
I specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety. Anxiety can arise during life transitions, manifest as low self-esteem, or persist due to unresolved trauma from the past. My clients are often individuals with high expectations for themselves, who are creative, curious, and open to meaningful change, even if it feels daunting.
A number of my clients are neurodivergent, often diagnosed in adulthood, and are struggling with internalized messages like “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t belong.” These thoughts can feel paralyzing and contribute to deep self-doubt.
I have over 25 years of experience as a therapist, working with a diverse range of individuals, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients. My background spans community mental health, providing EAP services, and private practice, allowing me to support people through a wide variety of challenges. I’m certified in EMDR through EMDRIA, and I integrate trauma-informed approaches to help people shift protective strategies that once helped them survive, but now might feel like barriers to growth.
In our work together, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your nervous system responses and you will learn how to regulate them with skill and self-compassion. This isn’t about “fixing” who you are—it’s about gently working with the internalized beliefs/parts and body-based responses that no longer serve you. From this place, you can reconnect with a more authentic, empowered version of yourself—one that feels aligned, grounded, and at peace.
My style
I believe that you can heal and live a more authentic life.
I bring a calm, curious presence to my work, grounded in the belief that healing happens in safe, compassionate relationships. I’m optimistic about your ability to change because I trust in your inner wisdom—even if right now it feels buried under anxiety, imposter syndrome, or “should” statements.
My approach is integrative, I bring a psychodynamic understanding and use EMDR, IFS/parts work, and Polyvagal Theory to get to the root of the issues. These approaches allow us to work with nervous system reactions, shift deeply held patterns, and access parts of you that might be stuck in survival mode. Through this process, you’ll build greater capacity for emotional regulation and be better able to reconnect with yourself, as well as the people and experiences that bring you a sense of joy, meaning, and aliveness.
A few things that do that for me are: walking by the water; a vibrant dahlia garden- the different colors and shapes are magical; the Jersey Shore in September (yes, really!); the Telepathy Tapes podcast; and being with my people.
My guiding principles
Compassion
I want to meet evey part of you with curiosity and openness, and create a safe place for healing.
Depth
We will address the deeper roots of your anxiety and trauma, so that you experience relief from symptoms and lasting change.
Growth
I believe that we can all grow, and I honor your courage to make changes and embrace new possibilities.
Personalized
Your story and nervous system are totally unique, so we’ll shape therapy around your needs— your goals and your pace.
Anxiety
Trauma
EMDR Therapy intensives
Training & Education
Master’s of Social Work, Smith College School for Social Work
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in WA State, since 2001
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) trained
EMDRIA certified therapist
Advanced EMDR Trainings: EMDR and Parts Work for Treating Complex Trauma, EMDR and C-PTSD, EMDR and Intensives