Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Secor
Hi Shelby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
During my undergraduate studies at UCF, I attended an internship career fair and registered at a table that would later become the foundation of my life. On my first day at the internship site, I gradually acclimated to the environment. However, it wasn’t until a few days later that I realized the profound impact this internship would have on my life.
Mental health had been a significant part of my family by now and many past generations. I had never had the words to describe it, and I often wondered if everyone else experience similar struggles.
I felt a sense of belonging and comfort while interning for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). It was an unusual feeling to know that I wasn’t alone in my family’s experiences and that there was a name for what I was going through. Mental health was not discussed in my home, which explained why I was so sheltered from the realities of the world around me.
NAMI provided me with the resources and platform to speak up and share my experiences with others who were facing similar challenges. This experience led me to make a significant change in my academic path. I decided to switch my major to Psychology and went on to graduate. Afterward, I transferred to NSU for my graduate program.
During my graduate studies, I had the opportunity to volunteer with various organizations in the mental health field. I worked with adolescents in grief-focused art therapy, helping them express their emotions and cope with their losses. I also volunteered with inmates in drug relapse prevention programs, providing support and guidance to those struggling with addiction. My most exhilarating time was volunteering with the Crisis Text Line.
My experiences in the mental health field, both positive and negative, have shaped me into the person I am today. They have taught me the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues, and they have inspired me to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Right at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I embarked on my Master’s program’s Internship I-II courses, only to find that all the sites were forced to transition to virtual platforms. This transition was both challenging and fortunate. However, it also presented significant obstacles because I didn’t quite fit the conventional expectations of a therapist, and I strongly disagreed with the notion of a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Throughout my journey, I encountered numerous professionals who attempted to hinder my success due to my unconventional approach, which often deviated from the textbook model of therapy.
Fast forward to May 2024, I had grown disillusioned with the traditional counseling approach and found a remarkable supervisor who encouraged me to trust my intuition. This pivotal moment led me to take a significant leap and open my own counseling practice, Intuitive Mind and Body Counseling. My practice focuses on holistic healing, a concept that is not typically taught in schools, making it feel taboo when I discussed it with other professionals in the field. I often felt alone in my profession, passionate about helping others without resorting to medication referrals.
In an effort to further explore holistic approaches, I decided to become a plus-sized yoga teacher. By honoring my holistic principles in a yoga studio, I now teach Somatic yoga classes. My passion lies in teaching others how to listen to their bodies, break free from societal norms, set boundaries, and assert their needs despite external pressures to remain silent. During yoga classes, I incorporate somatic and breathwork techniques to guide individuals inward, enabling them to identify and release trapped emotions in their bodies.
In my office, I adopt a holistic and spiritual approach to healing trauma. I find immense joy in conducting inner child work and guiding clients through compassionate self-forgiveness, encouraging them to break free from the teachings they have been subjected to by others. It is a privilege to sit across from and hold space for clients as they share their most vulnerable selves with me. I couldn’t have done it without the continued support and love from the women at Zen Space Wellness Studios where I have tethered the roots of my practices.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Looking back, it’s been quite a struggle, with many valuable lessons learned along the way. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is to stay true to yourself, regardless of what others expect of you. One particular experience that stands out was working at my corporate job a few years ago. I was working with a group of physicians who often felt the need to remind me of their PhD status and that I had no business telling them what to do as a Bachelor’s graduate. However, my core values and morals were to advocate for those patients if I believed their treatment was unfair or unjust. These particular clients were often under a baker act status and were unable to participate in their treatment, therefore, I felt it was important for me to advocate for their care under these settings.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I believe what sets me apart from others is the feedback I often receive from my clients. They frequently tell me that I’m the first therapist to delve into their childhood experiences. In my opinion, exploring maladaptive core beliefs and tracing their origins is crucial for their healing. I often complement this approach with inner child healing exercises and gently guide clients in reconnecting with those aspects of themselves that have been lost due to societal norms and expectations. It is an emotional and transformative experience to share space with clients as they reconnect with their younger selves.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’m proud that mental health is gaining more traction and acceptance in our city, which is a positive step forward. Our city is vocal and progressive in its support and advocacy for mental health, particularly in relation to the LGBTQ+ community. It warms my heart to see our community come together and rally behind such an important cause. In turn has led to positive conversations about resources available and individuals seeking help.
However, where we lack is not within our control. The level of state funding for mental health has been consistently low for years, resulting in Florida receiving the least amount of funding for mental health services compared to any other state. This shortage of resources, supplies, and staffing leads to quick burnout and high turnover rates among staff and mental health professionals. Consequently, patients seeking assistance may often encounter disdain and harsh conditions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imabcounseling.wixsite.com/intuitive-mindbody
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_mindbodycounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMABCounseling
- Other: https://www.zenspacewellness.com
Image Credits
All my own photos-
