Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelley Coleman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In some ways, my path has been straightforward. As the firstborn child of a psychologist who ran a private practice from our home, I was likely headed toward a career in psychology—or a role on the sitcom Growing Pains. I chose psychology.
I never questioned what I wanted to study or pursue. I was fortunate to have parents who valued education and had the means to support my academic journey. I earned a BA in Psychology from the University of North Texas followed by an MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. Along the way, I fell in love with the study of human behavior.
Over the years, I have worked in a varliety of settings including inpatient care, community mental health, treatment foster care, and court-ordered therapy groups. My work has been focused on children, adolescents, and parents. I strongly believe that the family unit is the basis from which we develop all other relationships. I love working in partnership with all types of families!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since becoming licensed in 1997, I have had the privilege of working in a variety of meaningful settings. In Dallas and Oklahoma City, I worked for some inspiring organizations in the world of community mental health. I learned a lot about trauma and family systems by working with children in foster care as well as inpatient facilities. I worked with families touched by a violent crime as well as sex offenders who were court ordered to group therapy. I was fortunate to work under thoughtful mentors and skilled supervisors who greatly influenced my perspective and approach to therapy.
I also spent time working in the pharmaceutical industry, which gave me valuable insight into the business side of healthcare. While that role was not clinical, I gained valuable insight into the business of healthcare. Mainly, I learned that I really missed working with people in a clinical capacity.
My private practice grew from blending these clinical and business experiences. I pursued advanced training in Play Therapy and am currently a Registered Play Therapist and supervisor. Most days, I can’t believe I can earn a living spending my day working with children and families. On the days where that is challenging, I am fortunate to be in a network of exceptional and supportive colleagues.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Shelley B. Coleman LPC-S, RPT-S?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor, with 19 years of clinical experience, 9 years of business management experience, and 23 years of parenting experience. My private practice focuses on working with children, adolescents, and families.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive therapeutic environment—whether the client is a child expressing themselves through play or a family healing from trauma and moving toward a healthier life.
I also offer flexible, off-hours remote consultations for parents and caregivers. These sessions are designed to support adults navigating challenging behaviors, big emotions, and high-conflict co-parenting or divorce. No ongoing commitment is required, and families can access this service even if their child is not currently in therapy with me.
I enjoy working in partnership with families of all types, including single-parent, foster, blended, LGBTQ+, and “traditional” families. I believe the family system is the foundation for all relationships, and supporting emotionally healthy family environments is a central purpose of my work.
What’s next?
I am currently serving a three-year term as the Regional Liaison for the Texas Association of Play Therapy. Texas is a large and diverse state with an incredible community of Play Therapists, and we are in the midst of transitioning our local chapters to a more inclusive model. I’m honored to be part of this work and excited to help connect Play Therapists across the state through ongoing training, collaboration, and support.
Pricing:
- An individual or play therapy session is 50 minutes in length and is $175. If a session is shorter or longer, it will be prorated. The duration of a Play Therapy session is dependent on the child’s age and development.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shelleybcolemanlpc.com/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shelleycoleman5206?si=f5oMOcj85Xyz4Fkl
