Shelby Gonia, MA, LPCA
Hello! I was born and raised in Central Kentucky and call Lexington, KY home. I have a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary and am passionate about helping Kentuckians live whole and authentic lives in their relationships and communities.
I base my work in attachment theory, recognizing that our earliest experience informs how we interact with others and perceive ourselves, even in adulthood. I also employ Emotionally Focused Therapy/Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy practices, as it feels best for my clients. My experience includes working with individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, seasons of adjustment, career transitions, burnout, and relationship issues. I especially enjoy working with women and young adults who find themselves navigating any of these difficulties.
My goal with clients is to create space to explore and understand their experiences safely and not alone, while also identifying their strengths and resilience through difficult circumstances for long lasting change. My hope for all my clients is that they are able to gain a sense of hope for their futures after our work together, empowerment in themselves to create change in their circumstances, and recognize their accomplishments in the work done through counseling.