Shannon Pelcher-Rao is a licensed creative arts therapist who specializes in family and couples therapy, IFS, and Music Therapy for adults, children and families.

Shannon Pelcher-Rao, LCAT

Psychotherapist, Music Therapist

Brooklyn and Virtual

Accepting New Clients

Shannon has more than a decade of experience in talk therapy and music therapy. Her approach draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, family and couples therapy, and creative arts therapy. Shannon offers a space where clients can slow down and connect to their inner being; to meet oneself with curiosity and compassion, free of judgment. Shannon helps clients place their experiences in context, untangle old patterns, clarify what matters most, and reconnect to a sense of meaning and purpose. Music can be a part of this process, whether through listening, reflecting on a meaningful song or exploring feelings when words alone are elusive. No musical background is needed, and sessions are always curated around what feels right for you. Shannon loves cooking, reading, gardening, playing the guitar, and a good cup of coffee.

Education and Certifications

NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

Internal Family Systems Therapist (level one)
Certificate in Family Therapy Foundations from the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy
Ongoing Ackerman trainee
Austin Vocal Psychotherapist

Masters in Music Therapy from New York University
B.A. in English literature from Temple University

Specialties

Anxiety and Depression
Life transition and grief
Children and Family
Couples
Neurodiversity
Parenting and family dynamics

she/her

Favorite resources

All About Love by Bell Hooks
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl.
Why Won’t You Apologize by Harriet Lerner
Existential Psychotherapy by Irvin D. Yalom
Musicophilia; Tales of Music and The Brain by Dr. Oliver Sacks
Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.
The Whole Brained Child by Dr. Dan Siegel

Insurance Shannon can accept

“So much within us cannot be expressed by words alone. I find bringing music and creativity into the therapeutic space helps give voice to one’s inner world.”

Something that matters to me

I deeply value relationships and community. Connecting with my friends, neighbors, and surroundings has been a great source of self-care for me. I come from a large family that loves to throw parties, and I believe that finding joy in gathering and connecting with one another is one of the greatest sources of healing. This belief shapes my therapy practice, where I see people as the experts on their own lives and believe our stories are shaped and strengthened when they are witnessed and celebrated by the people around us.

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