"CHANGE"...
It's One of Life's Only Constants...
Change often signifies growth. Yet changes move us from our comfort zone and may trigger thoughts, behaviors, emotions or physiological responses within us causing distress. Often our responses are uncounscious. Except we conciously recognize increased discomfort, pain or unproductive functioing in our daily roles or relationships. If you or a family member are experiencing any social, emotional, mental or behavioral distress or difficulties preventing enjoying life or interfering with realizing your or their full potential in any of personal, work or school functioning,
I'm glad you are here.
Counseling supports effectively creating personal growth and well-being via use of improved self-awareness, healthy thinking, productive behaviors or self-mastery or regulating of your body's physiological responses. Whether navigating through unplanned life changes and stages of adjustment or successfully managing those you are planning, counseling supports boosting your quality of life, happiness and success, either individually, as a couple or a family.
People of all ages and life stages or circumstances consider, choose and benefit from counseling.These stages or circumstances include work, school or family transitions, relationship difficulties, illness, trauma and situations of loss or grief, stress or anxiety and all may benefit from the support of counseling or biofeedback services. Your Health Care Professional, Case Manager, Employer, Family or a Friend may have referred you for support in your situation. You may be seeking services on your own. Again, I'm glad you're here considering the possibilities.
So now that you're thinking about choosing a counselor for therapy or biofeedback.... I've designed this site to tell you about myself, what I offer and explain the basics of how therapy works. Your decision to seek professional services is a bold and meaningful step in the right direction for creating the positive and meaningful life changes you want. I hope this information helps you gain confidence in your decision to begin therapy.
My counseling approaches include the following theories: Client-Centered, cognitive-behavioral, positive psychology or brief/solution-oriented therapies with a biopsychosocial and systems-based focus. Interpersonal or Psychodynamic therapy when appropriate for healing unresolved trauma, inner conflicts or attachment issues and self-regulation training for improving emotional management and stress responses of the nervous system are also used. What does this mean for you, the layperson? It means I like taking into account the multiple aspects of your life including behaviors, mood, physiology, imagery/thoughts, interpersonal and medical issues when crafting a plan of treatment strategies that best "fits" for you.
Counseling is often thought of as a "Last Resort"...I think of it like "Golf Lessons" .... Choosing therapy is often thought of as a "last resort" when you are feeling overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless. Some people say: " I feel like a failure because I can't figure it out by myself..." Seeking therapy is a successful step in changing a way of being, living or feeling in your day to day life that isn't working for you any more or is uncomfortable. Being a professional, objective support is a key role for counselors. Choosing a counselor you are comfortable with, who developes trust in a safe atmosphere and partners with you in a professional, therapeutic relationship is a good starting place in moving through this tough spot in your life.
But what do golf lessons have to do with therapy!? When you want to learn a new skill or improve one's you have, you take lessons with a pro. From skiing to SCUBA or piano to cooking~ lessons improve your skills, performance and confidence. Think of therapy as lessons in life management. Just like a golf pro analyzes your stance, grip or swing; in therapy your counselor analyzes your self talk, your mood/attitude or coping strategies used in response to day to day activities or relationships. Deeper therapeutic work may help resolve old hurts, fears, attitudes, beliefs or outlooks allowing your experiencing improved levels of peace, happiness or contentment in your life.
Counseling is about you impacting your quality of life, happiness and success in the things that matter most to you. Whether it's healing past issues or developing new patterns of coping in currernt situations or relationships, I look forward to supporting you creating and living your life by your own design.
I appreciate your interest and look forward to working with you in developing your health and wellbeing.
Kindly~ "L.A."
homeMeet Your Counselor...
"L.A."
Leslie Ann Shields, M.S., L.P.C.; C.B.I.S.
Leslie Ann is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas
(#18846) licensed through the Texas State Board of Examiners of
Professional Counselors. She is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (#5807) through the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists.
By Appointment Only
Call 832.858.1411
Her undergraduate training complimented and sparked her interest in psychology, health and wellbeing, along with effective communication and neurological/ developmental issues. Her B.A. is from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas with a double major in Communications and Health & Physical Education. She earned her
M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Our Lady of The Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, which is a Marriage & Family Therapy and Systems based training program. She was a Graduate Assistant in the Federal Grant Program of Early Childhood Education and Counseling for Violence Intervention and
Prevention.
Her early clinical experiences were with children experiencing motor
and learning delays, special needs children and family therapy. She was also a Family Assistance Crisis Team Counselor Volunteer in conjunction with the S.A., TX Police Dept. Her post-graduate internship experiences included behavioral, lifestyle counseling with adults, geriatric counseling and counseling of traumatic brain injury survivors
and their families. Leslie Ann has completed additional certifications as a Brain Injury Specialist and Anger Management Therapist and has worked with adult inpatient psychiatric facilities.
Leslie Ann now provides counseling and psychotherapy services for
all ages through individual, couples, family and small group therapy.
Special populations include rehabilitation, brain injury, ADHD,
chronic pain and stress mastery. She provides psychoeducation/ counseling and therapy along with biofeedback training focusing on self-regulation of emotions, mood and neurocogitive functioing.
Prior to her counseling career, Leslie Ann worked a fulfilling 12 years in the business/corporate world of medical/ dental implantable devices
and surgical supplies for Fortune 100 & 500 companies. She worked with Doctors along the full spectrum of their careers from residency within University Programs to their business development in clinics, hospitals and private practices. She also worked for a NIDA/DOT certified Drug Testing Lab involved in
corporate drug and alcohol prevention and intervention programs.
"Passionately" describes her work in supporting her physicians in integrating long standing, quality brands along with cutting-edge products, services and programs. Optimizing her physician's effectiveness with ever advancing services and technologies enabled their continued delivery of effective treatment, despite ever evolving changes, supporting patients' comfort and well-being.
Leslie Ann now brings this same passion to her own clinical practice. She provides longstanding, proven evidence-based techniques along with new technological advances supporting the optimal development of her clients' well-being.
Oh, and Please...Just call me
"L.A."
Having worked with special populations including kid's with learning differences, Seniors with Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors with memory or speeech/cognitive processing difficulties; I've found virtually all clients find it easier to say, spell and remember "L.A." I'm comfortable with it and invite you to be as well.
