Traits You Need for the Life You Want
Helping people break out of their personality type boxes & intentionally cultivate traits that will bring them closer to their values/goals.
Work with Shannon

Traits You Need for the Life You Want
Helping people break out of their personality type boxes & intentionally cultivate traits that will bring them closer to their values/goals.
Work with Shannon

Shannon Sauer-Zavala, PhD AuthorSpeakerScientific ResearcherLicensed Psychologist
Therapy & Coaching
Individual Support
Learn MoreTherapist Training
Therapist Training
Learn MoreInspiring Keynotes & Workshops
Inspiring Keynotes & Workshops
Learn MoreMeet Shannon
Dr. Sauer-Zavala is Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience providing award-winning cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for people struggling with anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). She is based in Lexington, Kentucky and offers therapy to clients in PSYPACT-participating states via Telehealth.
She is also an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky (UK) where she leads research on how personality traits impact emotional well-being. he is the co-developer of the Unified Protocol and the creator of BPD Compass (Cognitive-Behavioral Modules for Personality Symptoms), a short-term, customizable treatment that targets the root traits underlying common mental health conditions.
As Founder and Director of Compass Mental Health Training & Consulting, Dr. Sauer-Zavala has trained thousands of therapists worldwide in transdiagnostic, trait-focused approaches to mental health treatment. She has led continuing education workshops and trainings in countries including Ireland, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Hong Kong, Japan, Brazil, and across the U.S.
A dynamic speaker, Dr. Sauer-Zavala is also available for keynotes, corporate workshops, and community events. Her signature message: your personality is not set in stone.
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What We Do
- for Meeting Planners
- for Individual Support
- for Mental Health Providers
for Meeting Planners and Event Organizers
Keynotes & Workshops
Helping people break out of their personality type boxes & intentionally cultivate traits that will bring them closer to their values/goals
for Individuals Seeking One-on-One Support
Work with Dr. Sauer-Zavala
Personality Coaching & Psychological Treatment
- Coaching to get unstuck & reach your full potential
- Personality Assessment
- Science-based treatment for anxiety, depression, & BPD
for Mental Health Providers & Organizations
Expert Training in COMPASS
Personality-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Consultation
- Workshops
- Certifications
- Implementation
- for Meeting Planners
- for Individual Support
- for Mental Health Providers
for Meeting Planners and Event Organizers
Keynotes & Workshops
Helping people break out of their personality type boxes & intentionally cultivate traits that will bring them closer to their values/goals
for Individuals Seeking One-on-One Support
Work with Dr. Sauer-Zavala
Personality Coaching & Psychological Treatment
- Coaching to get unstuck & reach your full potential
- Personality Assessment
- Science-based treatment for anxiety, depression, & BPD
for Mental Health Providers & Organizations
Expert Training in COMPASS
Personality-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Consultation
- Workshops
- Certifications
- Implementation
Individual support
Self-help Resources
Personality Coaching
Psychological Treatment
Clinician Training
Workshops
Certification Programs
Program Implementation
Keynotes & Workshops
"I speak about the how we are in the driver's seat when it comes to developing the traits we need to thrive in the lives we want"
What people are saying
"I enjoyed the real-life applications from the speaker’s own clinical experience”
"Dynamic presenter with unassuming, but well-informed approach”
"Very articulate – enough energy to sustain a day"
“Dr. Sauer-Zavala’s enthusiasm for the topic was much appreciated”
“The best public speaker I’ve seen”
Shannon’s Blogs
The Emotional Whirlwind of Mother’s Day
Originally published on Psychology Today Even moms who love being moms can feel conflicted this time of year You love...
Unlock Your Potential with a Personal Growth Coach: A Path to a Better You
In today’s fast-paced world, many people are striving for self-improvement and personal growth. Whether you want to improve your career,...
Toxic Self-Care Culture
Originally published on Psychology Today. Face masks won't fix a life built around burnout and misalignment You lit the candle....
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Break free from your "Personality Type" and intentionally develop the traits that will move you toward the life you want.