A Clearer Path Starts Here
About Bright Wood Counseling
Bright Wood Counseling is a growing therapy practice focused on helping adults navigate anxiety, mood challenges, OCD, ADHD, autism and neurodivergence, life transitions, and the everyday challenges that can come with trying to keep everything together.
We don't believe there is one right way to live, cope, communicate, or function. Therapy should be shaped around the person; not the other way around. Our work is collaborative and practical, while still leaving plenty of room for curiosity, humor, and honesty.
Whether you're dealing with something you've been struggling with for years or you're at a point where you simply know that something needs to change, you don't have to try to navigate on your own.
That's what we're here for.
Meet the Team
Shannon Wagner, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
“I've always been drawn to the parts of mental health that don't fit neatly into a box. I'm especially interested in working with adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in their heads, or like they've spent a lot of their lives trying to figure out why things seem harder for them than they do for other people.”
Shannon’s clinical interests include anxiety, OCD and ERP, ADHD, autism and neurodivergence, and life transitions. She takes a warm, straightforward approach to therapy and believes that feeling understood is just as important as learning practical tools you can actually use outside of the therapy room.
Shannon created Bright Wood because she wanted to build a practice around those values. A practice where clients can feel comfortable being honest, where neurodivergence is understood rather than treated as something that needs to be “fixed,” and where therapy can be both genuinely supportive and useful.
Lauren Katzen, LMSW
“I believe that everyone should have access to the benefits of psychotherapy. “
Lauren is an LMSW and graduate of the Silberman School of Social Work (CUNY, Hunter College). Lauren has a strong commitment to serving low-income or otherwise marginalized communities, and uses client-centered, trauma informed, and LBGTQ+ affirming care models.
She focuses on customizing her therapeutic approach to each patient’s needs, offering a variety of tools and methods to support you in meeting your goals.
Lauren brings a variety of life experiences to her practice having worked in domestic and international non-profit administration and research, legal advocacy, and extensive training in yoga and mindfulness practices.
Kelly Lefsyk, LMSW
“I believe meaningful change can happen when we feel safe enough to explore our experiences with curiosity and compassion. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable showing up as they are.”
Kelly brings warmth, honesty, and humor to her work, helping clients build insight into the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that shape how they respond to life’s ups and downs.
She specializes in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. Kelly’s approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed, emphasizing collaboration to address each individual’s unique needs and goals. Drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities, she helps clients deepen their self-understanding and cultivate self-compassion.
Throughout her career, Kelly has worked closely with older adults facing aging and adjustment challenges. She’s passionate about supporting their emotional well-being and recognizes the importance of mental health throughout the aging process.
Kelly understands that reaching out for support and opening up to someone new can feel vulnerable. She strives to meet each client with compassion and understanding, helping them feel supported as they navigate life’s challenges.