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Story & Lesson Highlights with Dr. Sheila Baez PhD, LPC of Nolanville/Austin

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Sheila Baez PhD, LPC. Check out our conversation below.

Sheila , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building, though it isn’t something the world sees every day, is my family. They are the foundation that grounds me and the reason I can show up fully for others. The love, stability, and connection we’ve built together are things I value deeply, and they remind me that the most meaningful work often happens quietly, at home.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Sheila Baez, a licensed Clinical Mental Health counselor, Developmental Psychologist, and the founder of Blossom & Heal Therapy. My work focuses on helping individuals heal from trauma, with a special emphasis on EMDR, Brainspotting, and perinatal mental health. As both a clinician and prior military spouse, I bring a unique perspective to supporting people who carry invisible burdens, whether that’s trauma from early experiences, challenging transitions, or the complexities of motherhood.

What makes Blossom & Heal special is the combination of evidence-based trauma therapies with a holistic, compassionate approach. I don’t believe in quick fixes…I believe in creating a safe and intentional space for people to reconnect with themselves and their stories.

Right now, I’m especially excited about expanding my practice to offer EMDR intensives and resources like my new postpartum reflection journal, which provides mothers with tools to process and reclaim their identity in accessible, meaningful ways.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed the only way I could make a real impact was by becoming a nurse, and that success meant working 12+ hour days. I carried that belief for a long time. Today, I no longer see it that way. Through my work as a therapist, I’ve learned that I can create meaningful impact in my clients’ lives without sacrificing my well-being or measuring success by exhaustion. Impact doesn’t come from overextension; it comes from being fully present in the work I’m meant to do.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up my dream of earning the title ‘Dr.’ during the dissertation stage of my doctoral journey. I faced constant pushback and back-and-forth with committee members, and what I had envisioned for my research started to feel watered down. With tears in my eyes and frustration weighing heavily on me, I nearly told my chair that I was ready to quit. Thankfully, her validation and encouragement shifted everything for me. It pulled me out of that stuck place and helped me find my voice again. Quitting was not an option I could live with, and I’m so grateful I persevered.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I believe the public version of me is real because I show up as a whole person. I can be shy and reserved at times, but also silly and funny, and my facial expressions often give me away. I’m both raw and gentle, and I allow those parts of me to come through in how I connect with others.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Yes! To be honest, lately I really have been tap dancing to work. Part of that joy comes from the wonderful opportunities that have opened up for me recently, but even more so from witnessing the growth and progress my clients are experiencing. Seeing their courage and hard work pay off fills me with so much gratitude and excitement. It’s a privilege that truly makes me happy to do what I do.

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Dr. Sheila Baez, PhD, LPC

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