Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Shook.
Hi Grace, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband knew what he wanted to be from a young age – I was not that kid! I went through a plethora of career options growing up and initially struggled to find my degree in college. I dabbled through various majors – nutrition, business, education, and philosophy before finding sociology and psychology. It was a very frustrating experience! Looking back on it, I did not really know that becoming a counselor or therapist was an option. Mental health was not well known or talked about where I grew up, and I did not know anyone who was in this field at the time.
However, my amazing sister started her own mental health journey and introduced me to the world. She also helped me realize that I wanted to be a therapist. When struggling with degree options, she asked me “what do you enjoy the most?”. Although she was asking about my classes, the first thing that I thought of was the student leadership organization and local non-profits I was involved in. I realized the parts of school I loved the most were the areas where I was supporting and empowering others in their own lives. Then it clicked- THAT is what I want to do. Although it was not clear from the beginning, as soon as I knew I wanted to be a counselor, I was all in.
I completed my master’s in counseling and moved to Austin shortly after. I received an incredible opportunity to be a part of a group practice where I learned how to build my niche, grow my clinical skills, and met some of the most incredible people. Once COVID hit in 2020, I boldly decided to leave the group practice and start my own private practice. On top of continuing to sharpen my clinical skills, I began learning how to run and manage a business. I am still always learning, but it is a challenge I love and crave. My business focuses on supporting those struggling with perfectionism, anxiety, and healthy boundaries. I want it to be a place for clients and clinicians to feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! The hardest part for me has been learning all things business! Like many accidental entrepreneurs, I have had to stumble my way through understanding payroll, taxes, legal requirements, and bookkeeping. It feels like a completely different part of my brain than my clinical work, and I love it. Thankfully, I now have an incredible team of professional friends who are figuring it out with me and a CPA who teaches me when I make mistakes. It has been a very humbling and powerful experience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am an LPC and work with children (10yrs+), adolescents, and adults from all over Texas. I provide both virtual and in-person options and offices in the Westlake area. I specialize in managing symptoms of anxiety, perfectionism, and poor body image often from struggling with trauma, loss, or difficult transitions in life. I especially connect with high achievers, “peace-keepers”, or those who feel like they do not fully fit in. Many of my clients find me during a time of transition (ex: starting college/new school, relationship changes, career changes, etc), and I often hear that they feel stuck or trapped in unhelpful behavior and thought patterns, and want to find the freedom to just be themselves.
I strive to be authentic and highly relational with my clients so that it feels as comfortable as possible. I work hard to cultivate the counseling space to feel “home-y” with blankets, fidget toys, and soft pillows to nestle into. I use an integrative approach, creating it to meet each person’s unique preferences and needs. All I ask of my clients is to come exactly as they are and to be open to learning new things about themselves. Clients work hard to develop a deeper and more loving relationship with themselves and build healthier relationships with those they love. I use techniques from intensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1). I am a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator and EMDR Therapist.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that I am on this life journey with them. I have not figured out all the answers, but am happy to walk with them as we find a few together.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something most people may not know is that I spent my childhood and adolescence moving around often. My family and I lived in Louisiana, Indonesia, Texas, and Canada. I loved visiting and seeing new places and still love traveling.
Contact Info:
