Shelly Kessinger
Licensed Professional Counselor
Shelly is a relationship and communication expert with over 16 years of counseling experience.
Specialties: Shelly specializes in teaching communication skills, rebuilding trust, affair recovery, rebuilding emotional connections, and pre-marital counseling. She provides individual, family, and couples counseling. Her specialty is breaking down complex emotional issues into easy-to-understand pieces.
She helps individuals and couples navigate conflict, strengthen relationships, and develop healthier patterns of interaction.
Shelly provides individual, family, and couples counseling in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment focused on healing, growth, and lasting change and lasting connection.
Background: Shelly graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology. She received her Masters of Education in Counseling in 2009 from the University of Houston. She worked as a counselor in non-profit agencies for 11 years before starting her own private practice.
Counseling Style: Professional, Compassionate, Collaborative, Non-Judgmental, Practical, Solution-Focused
Methods: Shelly individualizes treatment based on her clients and their goals. She uses a combination of Gottman method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in session.
Why did you become a counselor? My parents went through a difficult divorce when I was a child. As a young girl, I often found myself wondering why some couples were able to stay together while others separated. That early curiosity eventually shaped my life’s calling. I truly believe that many marriages can be strengthened—and many divorces prevented—when couples learn healthy communication skills and cultivate a deep, meaningful emotional connection.
Are you married? I am married with two children. My husband and I have been together for 18 years, and I work hard to live out the communication principles that I teach. Both my professional training and my personal experiences with marriage and communication have shaped me into a more understanding and effective marriage counselor.
What are your favorite TV shows? Does anyone remember the TV show "The West Wing"? I loved that show and could probably re-watch it anytime. Anything written by Aaron Sorkin is a personal favorite of mine. I am also watching The Chosen right now, and it has been so incredible.
What are your favorite books? Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon, Born Survivor by Wendy Holden, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas is the most meaningful to me. But I really love New Year's too.
What is something people don't know about you? I can be incredibly awkward and shy in real life. I appreciate those people that have 100% confidence in everything they do. However, that is not me. I have to constantly push myself outside of my comfort zone for social media, presentations, networking, etc. It is definitely not easy for me, but I am proud of myself for all the work that I have done.
What do you do when you are not counseling? I like spending time outside and spending time with family and friends. I love reading, going for walks, listening to podcasts, and going to church. I am also a coffee and plant lover.
Do you have any favorite quotes? "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou