Shay Williams

LPC, 20 years of experience
Authentic
Solution oriented
Empowering
VirtualAvailable

20 Years in the Trenches. No Fluff. Just Results. "I’m not your typical therapist, and I’m okay with that. I wear my history on my sleeves and my philosophy in my name: Rugged + Regulated. For the last 20 years, my career has been defined by working where the work is hardest. From years of navigating the complexities of the foster care system to training organizations on how to handle trauma without breaking, I’ve learned one universal truth: You cannot think your way out of a problem you behaved your way into I am a Texas-based therapist who believes in self-sufficiency. I don't want you to be in therapy forever. I want to give you the DBT and ACT tools you need to regulate your own nervous system, set your own goals, and build a future that looks the way you want it to look. If you’re looking for a safe space to be exactly who you are—tattoos, metal music, motorcycle gear, and all—you’ve found it. Let's get to work."

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

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.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

"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.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

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. ⚓

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties

Addiction

Anger Management

I identify as

Man

Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

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.

, 79 ratings

11 ratings with written reviews

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.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Shay

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.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 5 with Shay

November 14, 2025

Shay is authentic and challenging. He isn’t afraid to challenge you to think about things in a different way. He is positive and warm. I think he is a good therapist.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Shay