“We don’t have to do it alone, we were never meant to.”

-Brene Brown

Shelley Cummings LPCA TexasI believe every client is capable of overcoming obstacles and living their best life. All that’s missing are the right tools. The great news is the right tools are accessible to EVERYONE, even the person reading this right now! As a counseling associate I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. What is CBT? It is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle. One of my roles is to help take those thoughts and reframe them into more positive ones. When clients feel heard and genuinely accepted, real progress can be made.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. My Master’s Degree is from Texas A&M-Commerce. My experience includes community settings as well as school campuses and a local college campus. I have worked with clients as young as 4 years old all the way up to senior citizens. Some of the presenting issues have included anxiety, depression, self-harm, and career counseling.
“We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are”
-Max Dupree
Cognitive Behavioral Counseling has proven successful across multiple mental health challenges. However, it is not the only proven therapy available. I believe in taking a more holistic approach to therapy. Our mental health goes deeper than just our thoughts. It also includes the physical aspects. This is why I challenge myself to learn new techniques to grow as a counselor and reach more clients.
I have lived in the Sherman/Denison area for over 40 years. I really love this community. I have 3 kids ranging in age from toddler to teenager. You may have seen me coaching on the soccer field, substituting at 1 of the schools, teaching Vacation Bible School, or as homeroom Mom back when we could host class parties. Now you can find me in the garden or herding chickens and ducks. I enjoy Urban Homesteading until I can move to the country. If you haven’t tried gardening, I would highly encourage you to try it! Planting a seed and watching it grow is like planting new thoughts and watching yourself grow into something wonderful.