(he/him)
Do you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of overthinking, yet nothing actually changes in your day-to-day life? I’m Shay, and I specialize in Rugged + Regulated therapy for people who want results, not fluff. With 20 years of experience—from the high-intensity foster care system to trauma-informed organizational training—I don’t just offer a "safe space." I offer a tactical roadmap. Whether you’re dealing with the weight of old trauma or just feeling over-stimulated by life, we use hard-hitting DBT and ACT tools to regulate your nervous system in real-time. I’m a Texas-based therapist who values grit, accountability, and authenticity. Tattoos, metal music, and motorcycle gear are always welcome here. You can’t think your way out of a problem you behaved your way into—let’s start building the toolkit you need to actually change your future.
We aren’t here to aimlessly wander through your past; we’re here to map out your future. In our first 50 minutes, you’ll get a listening ear that actually hears what’s being said, but you’ll also get accountability from the jump. We will identify the specific fires you’re trying to put out and start building your toolkit immediately. You won't just leave feeling "heard"—you’ll leave with concrete coping skills and a clear directive on how to start regulating your own nervous system. Come as you are, but come ready to do the work.
"I don’t just offer a 'safe space'; I offer a high-accountability environment." With 20 years in the trenches—from the foster care system to high-stress organizational trauma training—my strength lies in practicality over fluff. I cut through the noise of mood fluctuations and life transitions to provide a tactical roadmap. Why work with me? Action-Oriented: We use hard-hitting DBT and ACT tools to regulate your nervous system in real-time. High Accountability: I am a partner in your work, not just a passive listener. Real-World Experience: I specialize in building "inner grit" for those who feel over-stimulated or stuck in "thinking" mode. We aren’t here to just process your history; we are here to build the skills necessary to change your future.
My ideal client is the man who is tired of feeling "high-centered" by the demands of his own life. You are likely a high-performer, a father, or a professional who has spent years being the "Rugged" provider for everyone else, but lately, the internal "weather" has become harder to manage. You might find yourself reacting with quick-trigger anger, retreating into silence, or feeling like you’re just white-knuckling your way through the week. You’ve built a life that looks successful on the outside, but on the inside, the "Lighthouse" is starting to flicker. I work best with men who aren’t looking for a passive listener, but a tactical guide. My clients are ready to do "The Work"—not just talk about their childhood, but develop the discipline to regulate their nervous systems in real-time. Whether you are navigating the heavy caseload of a professional career, the complexities of a blended family, or the weight of a 90-day recovery milestone, you need tools that actually hold up under pressure. Our work together bridges the gap between CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). We will identify the "short circuits" in your thinking that keep you stuck in a loop, and replace them with Committed Actions that align with your deepest values. My goal is to help you become the Sky—the stable, unshakeable observer who can allow the storms of stress, anxiety, or craving to pass through without being destroyed by them. If you are ready to trade "surviving" for leading, and you want a counselor who understands the grit required to change, let’s get to work. We’ll build a foundation that is as tough as the life you lead and as regulated as the peace you deserve. ⚓
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Addiction
Anger Management
Grief
Man
White
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Texas
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT: The Tactical Reset. ⚓ I don’t just "talk" about problems; we map them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is about identifying the "short circuits" in your thinking that trigger a breakdown in your regulation. We find the patterns, disrupt the loop, and replace them with Committed Actions that actually hold weight. If you’re tired of being high-centered by your own thoughts, this is the winch that gets you moving again.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
"I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients develop essential skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and increasing overall well-being. My approach focuses on balancing acceptance and change to create meaningful and lasting positive outcomes."
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
In my practice, I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a foundational approach to support clients in navigating life's challenges. A core principle I emphasize is learning to live life on life's terms. This concept encourages individuals to accept their experiences, including difficult emotions and thoughts, without trying to avoid or control them. Through ACT, clients develop psychological flexibility, allowing them to engage with the present moment fully and commit to actions aligned with their values. This approach fosters resilience and empowers clients to lead meaningful lives, even amidst adversity.
Trauma-Focused CBT
was trauma-informed before it was a buzzword. For 17 years, I have utilized TF-CBT to help children and adults navigate their darkest chapters. My experience isn't just academic; I helped bring the Sanctuary Model for residential care to Texas, building systems that prioritize safety and recovery when the stakes are highest. This approach isn't about rehashing the past—it’s about processing the impact so it stops hijacking your present. We move from "what’s wrong with you" to "what happened to you," building the resilience needed to move forward.
12 ratings with written reviews
March 5, 2026
First session was amazing. Super awesome person. Looking forward to the next sessions!
February 4, 2026
I had a great first session with Shay, I liked how he asked a lot of questions to get to know me and also, even though he is solution oriented, also encouraged me to not be too self-critical with a medical issue I am dealing with. This is helpful because being too self-critical can be a precursor to really tanking psychologically for me.
November 24, 2025
Shay is absolutely wonderful. He has helped me a lot so far with self worth and techniques to live my best authentic life. I recommend Shay to anyone struggling with self image issues.