Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Cheney.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I knew I wanted to become a counselor when I was in high school; I had seen a counselor professionally by that point, took my first psychology class, and was invited to be a peer counselor by one of my school counselors. However, as life sometimes goes, it took me a while to actually reach that goal. I initially got a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University back in Dec. 2007.
A few months after graduation, I found out I was pregnant with twins, and my time as a stay-at-home mom started. Fast forward two more kids and ten years to my youngest getting closer to attending full-time school. I began researching what it would take for me to finally become a licensed counselor. What I found was discouraging, however. The state of Texas had a ten-year limit on education (which has since been removed). I needed to return to school for a second Master’s degree in counseling if I really wanted to be a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I didn’t consider any other options at the time and began my search for a university that was primarily online.
I graduated with my second master’s degree in May 2020. I had finished my school hours at a residential facility and a private practice. The private practice agreed to keep me on the team part-time after graduation, and I began working towards my 3000 supervised practice hours. About halfway through these hours, I joined a second private practice part-time, where I continue to practice.
I completed all of my hours and opened my own private practice, Sunflower Counseling Center, in Tomball in February 2023. I have lived in Tomball for nearly 20 years, and I am so glad to be serving the community in which I live.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some parts of the journey were smooth, but the biggest struggle was returning to school part-time while caring for a family of four young boys. I knew I needed a school that was primarily virtual because schooling was going to have to fit around my busy life, not the other way around. My family all made sacrifices to make it work, but they are also my biggest cheerleaders.
There was also a huge learning curve for me as I set out to start my own practice. When I was presented with an opportunity to start my own practice, I did not know how to even begin! I have a fantastic supervisor who pointed me in the right direction for guidance and who has supported me throughout this new adventure.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sunflower Counseling Center. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Clients often seek me out for therapy because they are feeling stuck in a cycle of anxiety and panic. My clients want to live full lives with social connections and the ability to move freely in the world. I love watching them do the work to get there.
I have experience working with kids, teens, and adults. While the details of events are different, the drivers of anxiety and perfectionism in an adult started in childhood. Oftentimes, major life transitions can exacerbate the anxiety they have felt throughout their lives to the point that my clients’ current coping skills are no longer working for them. I help clients understand the purpose of anxiety (it’s actually a good purpose that has gone haywire). We discuss the self-talk and self-judgment that keeps anxiety going. I assist teen and adult clients through identifying how their lives may be out of balance or not in line with their values. This gives us a strong starting point about where to begin the work.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I am a curious person. I am genuinely interested in others’ stories, and I’m honored to be trusted with so many. My interest in psychology and counseling leads me to read books, seek training, and listen to podcasts that may be helpful in my work with clients.
I have always been a sensitive and empathic person, and I convey my care for the people around me by validating their experiences. My clients know I will allow them space to feel whatever they feel without judgment. My clients have expressed to me that they feel I truly understand them. I have been told throughout my life that I’m a good listener and easy to talk to.
Pricing:
- Individual Sessions-$125
- Couples Sessions-$150
- Groups-$50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunflowercounselingcenter.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerCounselingCenter
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristycheneylpc/
