WELCOME!
I’m Shelby Sipe, a Licensed Professional Counselor serving clients in both Georgia and Alabama.
COUNSELING STYLE
Counseling is a collaborative process between you and me, where we will address areas of dissatisfaction and work towards achieving your life goals. My aim is to help you not only cope with life’s challenges but to thrive and pursue what you truly value. I want you to feel heard, valued, and accepted for who you are, no matter what has happened to you or what you’ve done. While I bring expertise in mental health, you are the expert on your life.
My counseling style is unpolished and authentic. I believe that genuine, human-to-human connection is essential for effective therapy. In our sessions, you can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be your true self. Together, we’ll work on healing past wounds and cultivating new skills for a more productive and peaceful life.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
My approach to therapy is holistic, encompassing mind, body, and spirit. Research highlights the interconnectivity of mental, physical, spiritual, and relational health. Therapy is not as a quick fix but as a meaningful journey—a process of healing past wounds, cultivating healthy practices, and embracing intentional living.
In our sessions, we’ll work together to identify how your life experiences have shaped your brain and nervous system. Understanding the brain’s health and using interventions to stimulate new neural pathways is crucial to treatment. I draw from a range of evidence-based practices to empower you to take control of our life and help you achieve emotional freedom.
With a certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I specialize in using this powerful, evidence-based therapeutic approach to support those grappling with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, insecure attachment styles, and other challenging experiences. Additionally, I integrate principles from the Polyvagal Theory—a revolutionary framework that demystifies your stress responses by explaining the role of the nervous system in our emotions and behavior. By understanding these processes, you can develop more effective coping mechanisms and enhance your emotional resilience.
MORE ABOUT ME
Before I was a counselor, I was a cowgirl. I love horses and western culture. I grew up competing in rodeos and later went on to compete at the collegiate level for Troy University’s Women’s Rodeo Team. Today, I enjoy training young horses, and I hope to return to rodeoing in the future.
I’m also a mom to identical twin toddlers who love spending time at the farm. We cherish watching baby farm animals play and mature. I believe that nature is healing and restorative, and I find great joy in being a steward of the land. My passion for the outdoors and commitment to nurturing both my children and our animals brings me a deep sense of fulfillment.
I identify as female and use the pronouns she/her. I welcome all people regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. While I strive to stay informed, I sometimes need help understanding certain terms and concepts. I may not always get it right, but I promise to try my best.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Thinking for a Change
- Safe Zone LBGTQIA+ Ally
- Polyvagal Theory
- Neurofeedback
- Somatic Therapy
- Domestic Violence Counseling
- Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Attachment-Focused EMDR
EDUCATION
MASTER OF EDUCATION IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
May 2016
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Auburn, AL
- GPA: 4.00/4.00
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student of the Year
- Phi Kappa Phi, Honor Society
- Chi Sigma Iota, International Honor Society
- Iota Delta Sigma, Auburn University Counseling Honor Society
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
May 2012
TROY UNIVERSITY
Troy, AL
- GPA: 3.44/4.00
- Chancellor’s Honors List (Spring of 2012)
- Provost’s Honors List (Spring of 2011 and Fall of 2011)
- Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology (2010-2012)
- Psi Lambda, Psychology Club (2010-2012)
EXPERIENCE
FOUNDER & LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
January 2020 to Present
SHELBY SIPE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, LLC
Auburn, AL
- Conduct trauma-informed individual counseling using evidence-based approaches
- Develop comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate a holistic health and wellness model to assist clients in achieving their therapeutic goals
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
May 2016 to December 2021
THE VEAL GROUP, LLC
LaGrange, GA
- Provided mental health treatment for local churches, domestic violence shelters, and other non-profit organizations
- Contracted to provide EMDR treatment to the Troup County Felony Drug Court participants
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
May 2016 to December 2021
THE VEAL GROUP, LLC
LaGrange, GA
- Assisted in founding the private practice and directed business initiatives
- Supported the Director with clinical oversight of therapists
GROUP FACILITATOR
GRACE HARBOUR, INC. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
- Co-facilitated the group counseling program, “Thinking for a Change,” provided to Troup County Juvenile Court participants
- Conducted “Thinking for a Change” assessments for juvenile applicants
INTERN
January 2016 to May 2016
COUNSELING SERVICES, INC
LaGrange, GA
- Co-facilitated group counseling for the Family Violence Intervention program
- Co-facilitated substance abuse group counseling for the Troup County Accountability Court
INTERN
January 2016 to May 2016
HARBERT COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Auburn, AL
- Counseled Auburn University students at the Office of Professional and Career Development
- Assisted professors in teaching and grading business courses
- Coached students on interviewing, resume writing, and coping skills
INTERN
August 2015 to May 2016
TROUP COUNTY FELONY ADULT DRUG COURT
LaGrange, GA
- Provided trauma-informed substance abuse treatment
- Facilitated and co-facilitate relapse prevention group therapy
OFFICE PHOTO GALLERY (CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)
