Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Kolek.
Hi Shelby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never had a favorite school subject, but I’ve always loved people. I loved learning their stories, connecting with them, and doing my best to know everyone around me. So when it came time to choose a career, Social Work felt like a natural path.
I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2019, followed by my Master of Social Work from Fordham University in 2020. Shortly after, I married my husband who was in the Army and relocated to Hawaii in early 2021. There, I became a Military Family Life Counselor and focused on supporting service members and their families through the many transitions and challenges of military life.
In time, I accepted a federal role with HUD and returned to Texas in July 2024. I continued my work there until March 2025, when government downsizing led me to open my own private practice: Paths Align Counseling, PLLC.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve definitely faced my fair share of challenges along the way. I grew up around addiction, and I think that’s a big part of why I chose this path. Back in school, I thought I’d work with families affected by addiction or maybe even in the prison system. Life had other plans, but that passion is still there, and I hope I can incorporate that kind of work in the future.
Being a military spouse came with its own struggles, especially when it came to jobs. A lot of companies didn’t want to hire someone they knew would eventually move. On top of that, I dealt with my own mental health challenges after having my first daughter.
When we moved back to Texas, I went back to work. Then in January, I had my second daughter. Just a week after coming back from maternity leave, I decided to take the resignation offer the government was giving out. I was afraid of getting laid off with no benefits, so I made the tough call. Honestly, it felt like I was backed into a corner, but it ended up being the best thing for me.
I took the leap and opened my private practice. Within three weeks, I had my office up and running, and I haven’t looked back since. In just two months, I filled my caseload which was something I didn’t think was even possible.
Recently, I lost a very close cousin of mine to suicide. While that opened a new can of challenges and grief, it also reignited my passion in a whole new way and makes me see things in a different light.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Paths Align Counseling, PLLC. I specialize in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and parenting challenges.
I like to think I’m known for being reliable, straightforward, and empowering. I call myself a “human therapist”. The kind who will laugh with you, cry with you, challenge your thoughts, and hold you accountable, all in the same session. I’m not the kind of therapist who just nods along and hands you worksheets, that’s just not my vibe.
I’ve worked hard to create a space where people can show up as their full, authentic selves. That’s important to me because I show up the same way, real, grounded, and human. I wear comfortable clothes, keep good snacks and drinks in the office, and always remind my clients that I’m in the passenger seat of their journey, helping them navigate whatever road they’re on.
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I pull from a variety of therapeutic modalities, choosing what fits best for you in the moment.
I love to see people at their most vulnerable moments to help them grow and see how much potential they have. Sometimes people have never had the opportunity to feel truly seen and heard, and that is why I love doing what I do. I want everyone to know and remember how much they matter and how much value they bring to this world. Mental health has been such a taboo topic for far too long. I’m here to look you in the eye and let you know that your life matters.
How do you think about happiness?
Right now, it’s the little things. Laughing with my daughters, date nights, dancing around the house, seeing cute cows, or buying a new cup are a few things that came to mind. I try to find joy in the little things. After wearing so many “hats” and roles, it has taken me a bit to find hobbies or discover who “I” am anymore, so right now focusing on the little sparks of joy is what I enjoy doing to bring me back to self.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://PathsAlignCounseling.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/pathsaligncounseling
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/pathsaligncounseling
