Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhea Zerr-Shepard.
Hi Rhea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2007 I graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. I entered the workforce as an artist during an economic recession; I realized my ability to provide for myself and a potential family was at risk due to the lack of employment opportunities. I worked in multiple positions making ends meet, one of which was as a substitute teacher. Through this experience I discovered a profound love for working with children: understanding their experiences, challenges and strengths. I then pursued a Masters in Counseling and Supervision, and worked towards licensure as a Professional Counselor in Georgia. For the past 12 years I have served as a School Counselor for middle and high school students, as well as worked with varying agencies in person and online as a licensed psychotherapist. As raising my own children has come to a more manageable level (my youngest is now 3 years old), I have felt compelled to start my own counseling and consultation business. Thus, Shepard Counseling Services was born. I currently offer teletherapy and in-home counseling services to children and adults. While offering online mental health services throughout the state of Georgia, my ultimate goal and passion is to offer affordable and effective counseling support to children, adults and families in the west Georgia community. As a local School Counselor in west Georgia, I have witnessed recent mental health shifts in our youth, young adults and their parents; substance abuse, suicide risk and debilitating anxiety and depression course through the community. I am deeply interested in the social, behavioral patterns of adults and how this impacts our children and the community at large. I have served as a member to the Carroll County Family Connections Strategy Team and the Carroll County Youth Task Force since 2020 and am invested in actively contributing to our community’s youth and families. I believe there is a need for additional mental health services for our families in order for growth and healing to occur, particularly services that are reliable and affordable, with attention to pyschoeducation, parenting resources and support. My hope is that Shepard Counseling Services can contribute to this need.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My childhood dream was to create; as a painter I met my curiosity and need to express, in relation to exploring and understanding human nature. It was crushing to my self-esteem, my hopes and dream, that I was not in a position to pursue a career making art as a painter, as the Great Recession closed in on us all in 2007. I do believe there was opportunity in that loss. In my art, I am focused on the human figure and expression of experience; as a counselor and therapist I realize this focus through inquiry, intervention and deep connection to self. I believe what I was searching for, what I was curious about in my visual depictions, in the compositions I pursued, is most intimately realized in the work I do as a therapist. I am also a mother of four children and through raising them I earned two post graduate degrees while managing full time employment. In my personal experience and exposure to others, I believe general American familial and work culture generate challenges for working women. I am blessed with an extremely supportive and present family and husband!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a therapist, I focus on providing support for change, I am committed to the Humanistic, client-centered therapeutic process in order to aid mental wellness. All of my clients are regarded without judgment and with the utmost attention to client-identified goals. I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults who are working to manage anxiety, anger issues, relationship and attachment concerns, as well as suicidal ideation and risk. I utilize expressive and play therapy techniques in my practice. I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into, to educate and instill strengths in others. As I find myself in midlife, I have realized that this is my life’s work, my purpose.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My main cheerleaders are definitely my husband and mother. They have been my biggest supporters and ensure, through their own efforts, that I am able to manage all of the responsibilities I task myself in order to achieve my professional goals. I am also grateful for my school team and community; my colleagues are masters of their work and forever encouraging.
Pricing:
- $45-85 for self pay
- Insurances available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/shepard-counseling/home?authuser=0
- Other: https://www.therapyden.com/therapist/rhea-zerr-shepard
