Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexa Shank.
Hi Alexa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts around age 16 when I was going through a rough time, and my parents pointed out that I seemed like I was not my usual self. They suggested I talk to someone and sent me to a local psychotherapist. Initially, being a teenager and being asked to share about my life and my problems with a random stranger felt really weird! But, I kept going and eventually started to see the benefits in talking to an objective person. I began to think about how great it was that my therapist was able to help me just by listening, talking with me, and providing encouragement, and guidance. That’s when the thought first occurred to me that I might like a career in the mental health field myself someday.
So, I signed up for Psychology 101 my senior year of high school, found it fascinating, and wanted to learn more. I felt confident that I wanted to continue my education in this direction so I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at The University of Texas. I consulted with some family friends who were professionals in the mental health field so I could get different perspectives on the various options for career paths and specific jobs that would be available to me upon graduation. I felt fairly certain that becoming a psychotherapist would be the best route for me.
After graduation, I decided to take a break from school and fulfill my dream of becoming a dancer for the San Antonio Spurs, which was an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime experience. When I retired from professional dancing, I felt ready to return to school and continue on my career path. While completing my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling, I got involved working with eating disorders. I had experienced a lot of disordered eating behaviors growing up in the dance world and quickly became passionate about helping others navigate these challenges. My own background taught me that dancers and athletes really need better access to mental health resources and psychoeducation regarding eating disorders, so I made the decision that I wanted to specialize in treating eating disorders. I worked for several years at various acute levels of care including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Finally, I was able to earn the designation of a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and fulfill my dream of opening my own private practice. I feel so blessed to be able to provide the same support and compassion to others that impacted my own life so much.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When I made the decision to start my own private practice, it was extremely exciting and also very scary! They don’t offer any business courses for counselors in graduate school, so I had to do a lot of research and consult with several other professionals in order to learn the ins-and-outs of being my own boss. I absolutely love my job and the fact that I was able to start a woman-owned small business is a dream come true. I would not have been able to do this without the support of my family and friends and the wonderful clients that have put their trust in me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Because of my own background, I have a particular interest in working with current and former dancers/athletes who need help navigating performance pressures, their relationships with food, and any concerns about body image. I feel that my experience as a professional dancer gives me a unique perspective in that I was able to see the gap in mental health care that athletes continue to experience. I am passionate about helping elite athletes not only resolve food or appearance concerns, but work through additional struggles such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism and stress.
My approach to treatment is individualized to the needs of each client, and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy principles. I enjoy working collaboratively with other professionals in the community including dietitians, physicians, psychiatrists and sports coaches in order to provide psychoeducation on eating disorders and coordinate the best care for my clients.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in the Houston area and have always had a close relationship with my parents. They put me in dance from a young age and I had my first ballet recital when I was 3 years old. I loved the feeling of performing on stage, wearing sparkly costumes and learning dances with my friends in class, as well as choreographing my own dances in our living room. I have always been a voracious reader and attribute that to my parents’ own love of books, and their habit of reading to me nightly as a child. I was, like many of my own clients, a highly driven and perfectionistic kid. I put a lot of pressure on myself to excel in school and dance. While sometimes a positive trait, my perfectionism also contributed to high stress and anxiety. Learning to navigate these issues in a healthy manner was one of the best ways therapy helped me.
Pricing:
- I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer any questions and determine if we’d be a good fit to work together.
- The initial intake session is 60 minutes and $175.
- Subsequent sessions are 45-50 minutes and $150.
Contact Info:
- Email: ashank@reliefandrecoverypllc.com
- Website: https://www.reliefandrecoverypllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reliefandrecovery/
Image Credits:
Kelsey Fyffe
