Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShanna Stephens.
Hi LaShanna , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! My journey started in a small town in Mississippi, where I learned early on how to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. I became a mother at a young age, and that experience lit a fire in me to beat the odds and rewrite the narrative that society often hands to young Black women. Education became my escape and my empowerment—I pushed myself hard, maintained being a straight-A student, and eventually pursued a career in mental health because I knew what it felt like to hurt in silence.
After earning my degrees and becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, I opened my private practice, Sound Advice Counseling, LLC, in Macon, Georgia. From day one, my mission has been to help individuals and couples heal, grow, and thrive. Over the years, I’ve expanded my work beyond the therapy room—writing, speaking, and creating resources that empower people to take charge of their mental wellness.
I’m now licensed in multiple states and board certified in telemental health, which has allowed me to reach even more people through virtual counseling and online education. I also share insights and encouragement on social media, blending my professional knowledge with a real, down-to-earth tone that people connect with.
Honestly, the road hasn’t been easy—but every twist, every heartbreak, and every lesson along the way has shaped the therapist, speaker, and writer I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I’ve learned that the bumps and detours often lead to the most meaningful parts of the journey.
Growing up, I struggled with feeling unwanted and unloved, which left emotional scars that followed me into adulthood. I was told things no child should hear, and that shaped how I saw myself for a long time. Becoming a teen mom added another layer of difficulty, not just logistically but emotionally—trying to parent while still figuring out who I was and carrying wounds I hadn’t yet healed.
Even after I chose the path of counseling and committed to my education, the struggle didn’t stop. There were financial challenges, moments of self-doubt, and times I questioned if I was truly cut out for this work. And entrepreneurship? That’s a whole different challenge—learning how to market, build a brand, and stay consistent while managing the emotional labor of being a therapist.
But every hardship taught me something. It made me more compassionate, more grounded, and more committed to helping others heal. I believe that what tried to break me actually built me, and that’s a message I carry into every session, every post, every speaking engagement.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder of Sound Advice Counseling, LLC, a private practice where I help individuals and couples heal, grow, and reconnect—with themselves and with each other. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, board certified in telemental health, and also licensed in multiple states, which allows me to offer both in-person and virtual support.
My specialties include trauma recovery, inner child work, relationship dynamics, and helping high-functioning individuals unpack emotional wounds they’ve carried for years. I’m known for blending clinical expertise with real-life relatability—my clients often say they feel like they’re talking to a therapist who “gets it” on both a human and professional level.
What I’m most proud of is the space I’ve created—for clients to show up as their full selves without judgment. I also take pride in educating and empowering people outside the therapy room, whether that’s through social media, workshops, or the books and tools I’m creating behind the scenes.
What sets me apart? I show up as my whole self. I’m not afraid to be transparent about my own healing journey because I believe our stories can be both a testimony and a tool. I fuse traditional therapy with practical strategies, spiritual insight, and a deep respect for people’s lived experiences. It’s not just about helping people survive—it’s about helping them thrive.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the quiet, observant one. I felt things deeply, even if I didn’t always have the words for it. I spent a lot of time in my own head, thinking, imagining, and trying to make sense of the world around me. I wasn’t the loudest in the room, but I noticed everything—and I think that’s part of what made me a good listener and a safe space for others, even back then.
I was also incredibly driven. School became my escape and my place to shine. I was a straight-A student who took pride in doing things well, not just to succeed, but to prove to myself (and maybe the world) that I was worth something. I loved music and was really shaped by my time in band and choir. Those spaces gave me a sense of belonging when I didn’t always feel seen elsewhere.
Even as a child, I was the “therapist friend” before I knew that was a thing. People trusted me with their secrets and feelings. I’ve always had this gentle mix of empathy and curiosity that made people feel comfortable opening up.
Looking back, I can see that so much of who I was growing up directly connects to who I am now as a therapist and entrepreneur—it’s wild how the dots connect when you give them time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sacounselingllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundadvicecounseling.llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundAdviceCounseling/
- Twitter: None
Image Credits
All images are my own
