Shannon Cantillano, LCSW
A Note from Our Founder
Welcome to Inner Expansions Therapy Services!
I created this practice with a simple but meaningful goal: to build a place where people can access thoughtful, compassionate mental health care in an environment that feels supportive and respectful.
Seeking therapy often requires courage. Whether you are navigating a difficult season of life, processing past experiences, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, taking that first step toward support is significant. It is a privilege for our team to walk alongside clients during these important moments of growth and healing.
At Inner Expansions, we believe that every person has the capacity for resilience, change, and deeper self-understanding. Our therapists are committed to providing evidence-based, trauma-informed care while honoring each client’s individual experiences, goals, and pace of growth.
This practice is also deeply rooted in collaboration and learning. In addition to serving clients, we are passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of therapists, helping them develop strong clinical skills while practicing with integrity and compassion.
Our hope is that Inner Expansions feels like a place where both clients and clinicians can grow—personally, professionally, and within community.
Thank you for being here.
Warmly,
Shannon Cantillano, LCSW
Founder, Inner Expansions Therapy Services
About Shannon:
Education and Professional Background
Shannon grew up on California’s Central Coast and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2004 from California Polytechnic State University, with minors in Child Development and Women’s Studies.
After graduating, she worked with several local nonprofit organizations supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. This work deepened her commitment to mental health care and led her to pursue advanced training in clinical social work. She later earned her Master of Social Work in 2009 from California State University, Fresno, with a concentration in Public Mental Health.
Shannon completed her associate clinical hours working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team in Santa Barbara County. She became a licensed therapist in 2012 and opened her solo private practice in 2013.
Advanced Training and Clinical Specialties
Shannon has pursued extensive training in trauma-focused therapies. In 2018, she completed her basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In 2023, she completed the advanced training process through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and became EMDR Certified.
In 2024, Shannon completed Level 1 training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) through the IFS Institute, further expanding her work with trauma and parts-based therapy.
In 2025, she was approved by EMDRIA to become an EMDR Consultant, allowing her to provide consultation to therapists pursuing EMDR certification or seeking to deepen their clinical work. Her consultation approach integrates EMDR with an IFS-informed perspective, supporting therapists in developing both technical skill and conceptual understanding.
In early 2026, Shannon became an EMDR Facilitator with the nonprofit EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP). In this role, she helps support Basic EMDR Trainings, assisting clinicians as they learn EMDR therapy and expand trauma-informed care in their communities.
Founder and Clinical Director
In 2022, Shannon founded Inner Expansions Therapy Services with the goal of expanding access to therapy while also creating a supportive training environment for clinicians early in their careers.
She has a genuine love of both learning and teaching and especially enjoys her work as a Clinical Supervisor, mentoring and supporting therapists as they complete their associate hours and develop confidence in their clinical work.
Licenses and Certifications
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), California — License #28917
- EMDR Certified Therapist through
the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), following completion of basic training in 2018 and advanced certification requirements in 2023
- EMDRIA Approved Consultant
(2025), providing consultation to therapists pursuing EMDR certification and developing advanced EMDR clinical skills
- EMDR Basic Training Facilitator with the nonprofit EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP), supporting clinicians in learning EMDR therapy during basic trainings
- Level 1 Trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) through the IFS Institute (January 2024)
- Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) (2011)
- Domestic Violence Crisis Counselor Training (2005)
- Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor Training (2003)
Insurance and Fees
Session Fee
Shannon’s fee is $175 per session.
At this time, Shannon is accepting new clients for EMDR and IFS Intensive Sessions only.
Insurance
Shannon is able to bill certain insurance plans directly for services provided through Inner Expansions Therapy Services. She is considered in-network with Blue Shield, Aetna, and CenCal.
If your insurance plan is not one that we bill directly, you may still be able to use your out-of-network benefits.
Using Out-of-Network Benefits
If you have out-of-network coverage, Inner Expansions can provide a Statement for Insurance Reimbursement (commonly called a “superbill”) that you may submit to your insurance provider.
Depending on your plan, your insurance company may reimburse a portion of the session fee.
Because benefits vary by plan, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask about:
- Out-of-network mental health benefits
- Your deductible
- Your reimbursement rate for outpatient psychotherapy
EMDR Consultation for Therapists
Shannon also offers EMDR consultation for therapists who are working toward completing basic training requirements, EMDR certification or who would like to deepen their EMDR clinical skills. Consultation services are provided through Inner Expansions Therapy Services' sister company, Expansions Therapy Consulting.
https://www.expansionsconsulting.com/
Contact
You can reach Shannon best through email at shannon@innerexpansions.com.