Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shay Thomas, LMFT.
Hi Dr. Shay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always had a knack for listening —the family member sharing their pain, the friend coping with life’s challenges, the colleague processing the day’s events. When others become irritated or avoidant, I remained curious. People think being a therapist is about giving advice, but it’s really about compassionate, intentional listening. After wanting to be a pediatrician (and an actress) since childhood, I discovered the field of psychology during an undergraduate elective course. Fast forward to transferring colleges and deciding between school counseling, forensics, and organizational specializations, I landed in a graduate counseling program grounded in a humanistic approach. Ironically, I landed my first job as a Family Therapist before discovering the world of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). After two years of working with families in juvenile court, I decided to return to school to learn more about this thing called systems therapy. My doctoral program felt like home. The theories, principles, and practices reflected my perspectives on strengths, resources, and resilience. Seeds planted took root, grew branches, and produced fruit that continues to blossom into my professional identities and callings. I praise God that my story is still being written…
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?
Figuring out life in my 20s sometimes felt like driving through a windstorm with worn out tires and no GPS. I wasn’t always sure where I was going or why (newsflash: that feeling persists in your 30s and 40s), but I keep plugging away with faith, hard work, and determination to find my way (or to rest right where I am). While riddled with unexpected twists and turns, my steps have definitely been ordered. I had my fair share of fogginess and setbacks. I changed majors, schools, specializations, and cities. I wrestled with confusion, split loyalty, and expectations of others. I faced critique from others who questioned my decisions. In hindsight, I’m grateful for how detours and doubt ultimately benchmark stories of resilience and grace. Once things start rolling career-wise, maintaining good boundaries and time management can become a struggle. The burden of grief also has a way of throwing you off course. While still a work in progress, I have grown in making time as a mental health professional to nurture my somatic and creative passions.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
One of the things about driving is that at some point, you’ll face a fork in the road and/or realize that there are multiple ways to reach your destination. Regardless of the path you choose, being grounded in who you are helps you focus on the journey, My private practice, Dr. Shay Speaks, LLC, offers therapy and consulting services. As a strengths-based therapist, I am compassionate, curious, collaborative, and creative. In addition to working with clients in therapy, My specialties include couples, parenting, grief, caregiving, work-life rhythm/holistic health, and sports and entertainment families.
I also offer contractual and pro bono services to nonprofits, churches, schools, hospitals, and media outlets. My written work appears in both peer-reviewed publications and popular press magazines. As a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, I enjoy bridging the gap to make mental health and wellness education accessible and relatable to the general public. After recently earning certificates in mindfulness meditation and beginner mat Pilates, I now also offer these wellness services as an extension of my practice. This holistic focus fuels me both personally and professionally. Last but not least, I have self-published two volumes of poetry (2017 & 2021), and I am currently working on my first nonfiction book.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Oh yeah, I pass the “real Atlanta” test! Receipts: I attended Linsey’s Early Achievement Center, Peyton Forest Elementary, Southwest Middle School, and Benjamin E Mays High School! I grew up off Bankhead; so, I’m Westside and bridge the gap between Zone 1 and SWATs! LOL 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drshayspeaks.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshayspeaks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drshaylive
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shatavia-dr-shay-thomas-dmft-lmft-1b999310/
Image Credits
Bruce Morton
