Shannon Hardy

Shannon Hardy MSW, RSW

Shannon (they/them) is a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary therapist and consultant in trauma-informed practices and approaches in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia. They have worked in trauma-forward environments for 19 years and are a Registered Social Worker with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers.

Their passion for sexual and reproductive health led them to create the Nova Scotia Doula Association in 2006 and Abortion Support Services Atlantic in 2012. Shannon also created the first trauma-informed abortion support training in Canada, which they continue to offer multiple times a year to people across the country. Shannon is also the creator of ConsentFest, a weeklong discussion on university campuses across NS on consent, safer sex and queer specific issues. Shannon was recognized by Sexual Health NS for their work in 2020 with a Sexellence Award.

In their therapy practice, Shannon’s focus is primarily 2SLGBTQ+ issues, coming out, transitioning, polyamory, kink and sexual & reproductive health. Shannon describes themselves as an integrative therapist, drawing from multiple modalities such as narrative and somatic therapy, however their favourite will always be Geek Therapy, a modality that leverages clients’ interests in geek culture—such as video games, comics, science fiction, fantasy, and related hobbies—to facilitate therapeutic growth and emotional well-being. It can help make therapy more engaging and relatable, using these interests as a foundation to address various mental health issues and improve coping skills.

In their role as a consultant and trainer in Trauma-Informed Practices and Approaches, Shannon trains people across Canada in the fundamentals of trauma-informed practice, including what it means to be trauma-informed and how trauma presents itself. Shannon offers both a Trauma-Informed Fundamentals training and a more in-depth Trauma-Informed In Practice training to meet the varied needs of their clients.

In their spare time, Shannon loves to read speculative fiction, attend and host improv class, and take many, many pictures of empty sky while birdwatching.