MEET OUR INTERN

Shay Jackson

Pre-Graduate Intern 

Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Texas Tech University- Health Science Center (TTUHSC)

Supervised By Kristal DeSantis, LMFT

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About Shay:

I have a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies and minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice from University of North Texas. Currently, I’m working on my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Tech University of the Health Science Center to become an LPC. My practicum will begin during the Spring semester on January 19th. While I’ve spent most of my time in healthcare, I have some experience in group counseling and working with adults that have physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. No matter the setting, I’ve always had a passion when it comes to helping others. It’s very rewarding to be a part of a team that assists individuals with living a great quality of life.

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How would you describe therapy with you?

My purpose with clients is to get to know them on a multicultural level. There are different moving pieces from our stories and backgrounds that make us who we are. You may have attachment issues due to childhood trauma or your upbringing. Maybe you even approach your problems in an unhealthy manner. But before a treatment plan can be implemented, it is imperative to meet an individual where they are. By doing that, I intend to be empathic, compassionate, understanding, reflective, and nonjudgmental while actively listening. The process of getting to the root of any problem can sometimes be complex. Therefore, it’s important to identify the many dimensions in one’s life.  

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I like to take a cultural perspective so that I can understand everyone’s uniqueness. For instance, some of us are from an individualistic society while others are from a collectivist society. One person’s life may be about their wants and needs while the other is more about what benefits everyone else in their group. During our therapeutic alliance, we will pull back layers to understand where you are and work towards getting you to where you would like to be. My overall approach is to be culturally aware, learn from my clients, assist them to the best of my knowledge, and provide them a safe and open space so that they may feel comfortable enough to share.

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Shay's Schedule: 

I am accepting new clients for scheduling starting January 19th, 2021 for short term (~May 2020) counseling services. I am currently screening clients for my caseload and beginning in January will be seeing clients online via telehealth on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and in-person on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. (Please visit the booking page for my current hours of availability)

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Shay's Fee Scale:

I am offering $10 counseling sessions for individuals and $20 per couples. 

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Contact: intern@austinstrongrbc.com or 512-887-1003 to book with Shay

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