this week on the blog

This week, Rockwall Counseling and Wellness would like to introduce you to Natalie Shepherd. Natalie works as an LPC-S, LMFT-S, and RPT-S. This means that in addition to caring for her own patients, she is also a huge asset to us in supervising new therapists as they complete their training. We are so thankful for Natalie’s expertise and passion, and we’d love for you to get to know her a bit more.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a counselor. Where did you go to school? What are your degrees in? Are you originally from the Rockwall area?

I knew in high school that I wanted to be a counselor. In high school, I enjoyed listening to my friends’ problems and trying to help them. They even referred to me as their counselor! I knew I wanted a job where I made a difference. As cheesy as it sounds, I have always said that I want to do my part to make the world a better place. I received my B.S. in Family Studies at Texas Tech. I received my M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from TWU. I am a West Texas girl and grew up in Midland. After I graduated from Tech, most of my college friends moved to the Dallas area and I thought that sounded like a great idea. I met my husband in Dallas and we built our house and family in Rockwall. We have lived in Rockwall now for 19 years. 

What type of therapy are you most passionate about? Why?

I am passionate about multiple areas. I love working with young children in play therapy. Play therapy often feels like a magical process and it’s amazing to see how quickly kids can make changes. I love working with parents to support them and help them feel better equipped. I love working with teens. Nothing keeps you on your toes or humbles you more than working with teens! I also love working with adults. It is so rewarding to walk alongside someone to help them with their goals and to support them. I like Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy because I want people to feel that they are leaving each session with new tools. I love teaching people a technique called Tapping to help them manage strong emotions. 

If you could have any job besides the one you have now, what would you want to be doing?

I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my job. I love going to work. However, if I had any talent (which I don’t) I would love to be an actress in Broadway musicals. I love musicals and when I’m in the audience, I am smiling the entire time and wish I could jump on stage with them. 

What do you feel the biggest struggle facing your clients is?

We are all still adjusting to a post-pandemic world and how that affected us. Kids and teens are experiencing anxiety and depression at higher rates than I’ve ever seen in my 23 years of counseling. As we all know now, technology has affected our kids greatly and has created many new challenges for families. I see many adults struggling with work/life balance and self care. I see many people figuring out how to cope with life transitions. Another common struggle is learning about boundaries and how to set them. 

Who in your life do you most look up to? Why?

My mom. She is a retired teacher. She taught me the value of education and hard work. She taught me independence and how to be assertive. She always had my back and didn’t hesitate to speak up on my behalf. She has been my rock and my support throughout every season of life. I wouldn’t be the person or the mother I am today without her influence. 

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Oh, this is going to be so cliche but it’s so true: Don’t sweat the small stuff. I worried so much in my younger years. I would also tell my younger self to not compare my journey to anyone else’s journey. Stay true to yourself and work hard. 

What would you say to someone who is considering starting therapy, but doesn’t know if it’s worth the time or money?

One statement that I hear repeatedly is people saying “I should have started this years ago.” People tend to minimize their experiences and feel that they have to “justify” going to therapy. I get to witness the power of therapy every day. I wish people knew how life changing it can be. It’s important to invest in yourself and therapy is one way to do that. I believe in making it more affordable for people to come by accepting several insurance plans. 

Are you a dog person or a cat person? 

Dogs all the way! I don’t understand cats. I love dogs. I’ve had dogs my entire life and always will. I currently have 2, a King Cavalier Spaniel named Ollie and a Yorkie mix named Lucy. 

Do pineapples belong on pizza?

I don’t have big feelings about it, but I don’t want it on mine. 

What’s your favorite place to go out to eat in Rockwall?

Bin 303, Zanata, Charlie’s, Standard Service

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with family and friends, exercise, read, shop, try new restaurants

What’s your favorite time of year?

I can’t pick! Summer is great because I love swimming, spending more time with my kids, vacations, and more relaxed schedules. Fall is great because of the cooler weather and I love the feel of new beginnings, such as a new school year. Winter is great because I enjoy cold weather and the holiday season. Spring is great because of the weather and sunshine. I also like the “end of year” celebrations and closures that come with the end of a school year. 

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been married for 22 years. We have an 18 year old daughter who is about to be a Senior and a 8 year old son. We have 2 dogs, 2 fish, and a hedgehog. 

What is your favorite place to visit?

Playa del Carmen, Hawaii

If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Oprah. I think she would be fascinating to talk to and fun to spend time with. I watched her show for years and admired her authenticity. 

Are you more introverted, extroverted, or a mixture of both?

Extroverted but being an only child, I have always valued my alone time as well.