Exploring Art, Remembrance, and the Grieving Process

Shannon Halligan, LCAT, is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist with over 20 years of experience in art therapy, play therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Originally from Ithaca, she earned her master’s degree in Art Therapy from Nazareth University and has been serving the Rochester community since 2000. A lifelong artist, Shannon blends therapeutic expertise with creative exploration, helping clients access deeper parts of themselves—not just through talking, but through doing. Whether working with studio art, wearable pieces, or play-based interventions, she empowers individuals to transform challenges into growth and resilience. Shannon is the founder of Halligan Creative Arts Therapy, a certified Minority and Women‑Owned Business (MWBE) offering individual and group therapy, CEU workshops, community classes, and professional coaching. She specializes in working with diverse populations across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community, trauma survivors, individuals impacted by domestic violence, and neurodivergent clients. She also has a particular focus on supporting individuals and families coping with Type 1 Diabetes. Shannon’s work has been featured on Spectrum News, WXXI’s Arts InFocus, and PBS’s Move to Include, showcasing her commitment to using art as a tool for emotional processing and resilience-building. A sought-after speaker, she regularly participates in panel discussions, conferences, workshops, and special events. She was recently recognized as one of Rochester’s Women of Distinction, an honor presented by State Assemblyman Harry Bronson. In addition to her clinical work, Shannon provides practice coaching for fellow therapists, offering guidance on credentialing, insurance navigation, and business development. Outside of her practice, Shannon enjoys dogs, thrifting, crafting, traveling, live music, gardening, Halloween, and coffee in all its forms.