(She/Her)
In-Person and Telehealth Sessions Available
Supervised by Amy R. Dean, LMFT-S
If your child is struggling and you’re not sure how to help, you’re not alone. Maybe they’re acting out, shutting down, or showing signs of anxiety or big emotions they can’t quite name. Maybe your relationship needs attention or your family is going through a tough transition. You want support, but you also want someone who understands that behavior makes sense when you look at the whole picture.
Shelby is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Associate with a genuine passion for working with children, individuals, couples, and families. She believes deeply in the power of family and social systems – the connections that shape who we are and how we navigate the world. She knows that everyone is doing their best to find belonging and significance in their relationships.
How Shelby Works
Shelby takes a person-centered approach in a non-judgmental setting, believing that all behavior has purpose and meaning. This means therapy goes in the direction that benefits you and your family, not what a script says should happen. She helps you understand patterns, build on your strengths, and develop the courage to make meaningful changes. Her collaborative approach means you’re an active participant in your own growth – she’s there to encourage and guide, not to prescribe solutions.
Working with Children: Play Therapy
When it comes to kids, Shelby knows that toys are their words and play is their language. She has over 150 hours of play therapy training, plus ongoing supervision and experience. In play therapy sessions, children use toys, tools, and creative resources to play out their thoughts and feelings in ways that make sense to them.
Having a safe space with a trusted adult helps children develop coping skills, build confidence, and learn self-regulation – skills they’ll carry with them long after therapy ends. Shelby also works closely with parents, providing resources and guidance so you can support your child’s growth and strengthen your family connections at home.
Working with Individuals, Couples, and Families
Shelby works with adults and couples navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and the complexities of family dynamics. She understands that we don’t exist in isolation – we’re shaped by our early experiences and current relationships. Her approach helps you understand how your past influences your present, build on your existing strengths, and create more fulfilling connections. She believes change happens through encouragement, not criticism, and that you have the capacity to move toward the life you want.
Who Shelby Is
When she’s not at work, Shelby is spending time with her friends, family, and her two very energetic little boys (so yes, she really does understand the chaos of parenting). She loves binge-watching TV shows and movies, being outdoors or in the water, listening to audiobooks, and getting creative with DIY and Cricut projects. She brings that same warmth and realness to her work with clients.
Education & Credentials
Education
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Sam Houston State University, 2022
- B.A. in Psychology and Human Services from Sam Houston State University, 2019
Licenses
- Texas LPC #90015
- Texas LMFT-Associate #205141
- National Certified Counselor
Specialized Training:
- Play Therapy training (150+ hours, ongoing)
- Introduction to TF-CBT (3-day intensive training)
Professional Memberships: American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (TAMFT)
- Texas Counseling Association (TCA)
- Psi Chi: Psychology National Honors Society, SHSU
- Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Society, SHSU