We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angel Shaw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angel below.

Angel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

I never envisioned myself as a business owner—it wasn’t something I initially aspired to. But after becoming licensed, I began to see the possibilities of running my own practice and the freedom it could offer. I knew I needed guidance, so I sought out a mentor to help me navigate the process of getting started. My mentor walked me through everything: attracting clients, marketing, identifying my niche, and building the confidence to make my practice a reality.

Balancing a full-time job while putting in the extra hours to grow the business was challenging, but it was worth it for the steady progress and income it generated. To anyone looking to start their own practice, I highly recommend finding a mentor or coach to guide you. The journey can be overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes far more manageable

Angel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We are a virtual practice based in the DFW area of Texas. My journey into this field began with my work as a teacher, where I spent time supporting children in their emotional and academic growth. That experience sparked my desire to help people on a deeper level, and I eventually pursued a career as a licensed professional counselor. I saw the potential to create lasting change not just in children, but in individuals and families navigating life’s toughest challenges. Establishing my own practice allowed me the freedom to provide the kind of compassionate, personalized care that I believe makes a difference in people’s lives. After becoming a licensed professional counselor, I realized the potential impact I could have not only by working with clients directly but by also creating a space where others could seek meaningful, compassionate guidance. This led me to establish my own practice, where I could offer both therapy and coaching services tailored to individuals and couples.

Hearts of Light specializes in providing therapy support for issues like communication struggles, intimacy challenges, and relationship grief recovery. We also offer Life Guide Coaching, which is designed to help couples and individuals build stronger relationships and improve their communication. In addition to that, I offer supervision to LPC-Associates across Texas, helping up-and-coming professionals in this field develop their skills and grow in their careers.

What sets my practice apart is the holistic, deeply empathetic approach we take with every client. Whether it’s therapy or coaching, I focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals can work through their concerns and find lasting solutions.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the level of trust and transformation we’ve been able to create for our clients. Watching people not only heal but thrive after facing difficult life circumstances is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to continue expanding Hearts of Light as a beacon of hope and support for those going through major life transitions—whether it’s relationship challenges, divorce recovery, or the process of growing into the person they want to become.

For those who are considering working with us, I want you to know that Hearts of Light is here to walk with you through whatever challenges you’re facing. We believe in the power of therapy and coaching to transform lives, and we’re dedicated to helping you find clarity, healing, and growth in your personal and relational journeys.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most significant moments in my life that shaped my resilience was going through my own divorce. It was one of the most challenging periods I’ve ever faced, both emotionally and mentally. Navigating the deep sense of loss, the overwhelming change, and the emotional toll that comes with the end of a marriage was incredibly difficult. But through that experience, I gained a profound understanding of the healing process and what it means to rebuild your life after a major setback.

During that time, I had to dig deep into my own emotional strength and practice the same self-compassion and resilience I now encourage my clients to embrace. I found that leaning on my support system, seeking therapy, and taking the time to really work through my feelings were crucial in helping me emerge stronger. It wasn’t easy, but it was through that experience that I truly learned how to not just survive, but thrive after life-altering events.

That personal journey is what fuels my passion for helping others who are going through similar experiences. I know firsthand how painful and confusing it can be, but I also know that there is life, growth, and new beginnings on the other side of the struggle. This resilience is something I bring into my work with clients who are navigating relationship grief, helping them find hope and strength in the midst of their own challenges.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I believe one of the most important qualities for succeeding in this field, beyond training and knowledge, is empathy. Being able to deeply understand and connect with your clients on an emotional level is crucial for fostering a therapeutic relationship where they feel safe, heard, and validated. Empathy allows you to step into their world, see things from their perspective, and guide them through their healing process in a way that is both compassionate and nonjudgmental.

Another key factor is self-awareness and ongoing personal growth. As therapists, we need to continuously reflect on our own biases, emotions, and triggers to ensure that we are fully present for our clients. This helps in maintaining healthy boundaries and ensuring that we are not projecting our own issues onto the therapeutic process.

Flexibility and adaptability are also essential. Each client is unique, and their needs can change from session to session. Being open to adjusting your approach and tailoring interventions to fit the individual client is critical for successful outcomes. Additionally, resilience is important—this field can be emotionally taxing, so being able to practice self-care and maintain a sense of balance is key to longevity in the profession.

Lastly, I think a genuine passion for helping others is what truly sets successful therapists apart. When you’re dedicated to supporting people through their toughest moments and you deeply care about their well-being, it shows in your work and makes a lasting impact on your clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heartsoflightcc.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/heartsoflightcc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartsoflightcc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelshawlpcs/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@angel_txlpcs

Image Credits

Arieal Goodson