Meet Shannon Hendrickson | Clinical Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Hendrickson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Earlier in my life, balance looked very different than it does now. My entire focus was on school – earning my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology – and eventually building a successful career as a psychologist. That season of life required significant sacrifice. Most of my time and energy went toward studying, training, perfecting my skills, and establishing my reputation. Social life, travel, even self-care often took a back seat. At the time, I viewed that as necessary, and I don’t regret it. I needed that foundation in order to create the career stability and sense of accomplishment I have today.

As my career has matured, I’ve been able to redefine what balance means. Instead of only centering work, I now place equal importance on nurturing my relationships – both long-standing friendships and new connections – and giving myself permission to pursue joy outside of my profession. I spend more time outdoors, traveling, hiking, and exploring nature. I prioritize fitness, health, and sleep, things that weren’t always possible in the same way before.

Balance for me now isn’t just about productivity or achievement; it’s about creating a rhythm that allows me to grow professionally while also living fully. That shift has made me feel more grounded, more connected to others, and more in tune with myself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a psychologist who runs a private practice, and my work centers on helping people navigate complex emotional challenges and create meaningful change in their lives. What sets me apart is my combination of clinical expertise, empathy, and practical strategies – I help people not just understand their patterns, but take actionable steps to live more fulfilling lives.

Getting to where I am professionally was far from easy. Completing my education and building a career required years of intense focus, long hours, and sacrifices in other areas of life. Along the way, I faced the normal challenges of rigorous training, balancing work and study, and building a practice from the ground up. I overcame those challenges by staying disciplined, seeking mentorship, and reminding myself of the long-term vision I had for my life and career.

I’m proud of the practice I’ve built and the clients I’ve been able to support. I’m also passionate about my role as a clinical supervisor and mentor for other clinicians, particularly in the early stages of their own careers. One lesson I’ve learned along the way is that success isn’t just about achievement. It’s about creating balance and being intentional about how you live and work.

What I want the world to know about me is that I’m deeply committed to helping people grow, heal, and thrive, while also modeling that it’s possible to have a rich, balanced life personally and professionally. My story is one of dedication, resilience, and the belief that we can create meaningful impact in the world when we combine skill, heart, and intention.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d plan an itinerary that really showcases the beauty, adventure, and history of Arizona. We’d start in Sedona, exploring the red rock formations, hiking trails, and relaxing along Oak Creek. A trip to Pine-Strawberry in Arizona’s Rim Country offers some quieter time – camping, hiking, and enjoying the peaceful outdoors. Paddleboarding on the rim lakes offers fresh air and the opportunity to see local wildlife.

No trip to Arizona would be complete without visiting some of the iconic national parks. I’d recommend spending a day or two at the Grand Canyon, taking in the views and doing some exploring, or perhaps head to the Petrified Forest to explore its unique landscapes and indigenous history. Arizona also has some incredible state parks, like Kartchner Caverns and Tonto Natural Bridge, where the hikes and natural beauty are unforgettable.

I’d also try to make sure we dive into Arizona’s rich history: visiting Tombstone, Bisbee, or Jerome for their unique charm, stories of the Old West, and artsy vibes. And of course, I’d want to include some time learning about indigenous sites and cultures in the area, to appreciate the depth of Arizona’s heritage.

Along the way, we’d enjoy local dining, coffee shops, and small-town gems. There’s nothing like sharing a good meal after a day of adventure. For me, the perfect Arizona trip is a mix of outdoor adventure, history, culture, and quality time together – it’s about experiencing the state fully while creating lasting memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to take a moment to recognize my dear friend, Renee Genovese. Over the years, we’ve built an incredibly strong and steady friendship grounded in mutual love, trust, and honesty. Renee has been a constant in my life. She is someone who has stood beside me through both triumphs and challenges with unwavering support. She’s the type of friend who not only celebrates my successes but also walks with me through the difficult seasons, offering perspective, encouragement, and genuine care. I am deeply grateful for her presence in my life, and I truly believe my journey would not be the same without her.

Website: https://www.juniperpathpsych.org/

Instagram: @its_a_me_shannio