I have extensive background working with athletic populations, however, I welcome clients of all types and work to help each one overcome whatever obstacles they my be facing. As a Professional Counselor, I am prepared to help clients work through trauma, depression, anxiety, and life transition issues in addition to sport psychology consulting work. Regardless of client background, I strive to form a unique relationship with each individual I work with and am passionate about helping others develop the tools to overcome their difficulties; life, health, and sport-related (when applicable); and become their best selves possible.

Life can be challenging and at some point, those “challenges” can be a bit more than we know how to tackle on our own. Whether you are simply seeking a healthier lifestyle, focusing on managing relationships, or needing support to get through a life-altering crisis or traumatic event, therapy can help. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bi-polar disorder, grief or any other issue, there is hope. You may feel hesitant at first to seek assistance, but once you do, you will feel more confident knowing you are taking the beginning steps to a better life and more improved you.

Many of my clients have experienced a traumatic event(s) such as sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, or neglect. The last ones can be harder to define because invalidation is a common form of emotional neglect that is hard to label. Despite what the trauma is or if it falls into one of those categories exactly, if it affects you, then it matters. Clients come to me with confusion and emotional pain that I help them sift through and connect with in order to heal and return to their new normal version of life. I welcome all clients from all walks of life, races, cultures, genders, and preferences.

I work with women and men who are struggling to achieve goals, overcome barriers, deal with losses, overcome mood disorders, relational issues or substance abuse. Men who are struggling with how to be better spouses, fathers, brothers, sons and/or co-workers. Individuals with disabilities experiencing difficulty adjusting to their new life, living independently or having difficulty obtaining or maintaining employment. People who need career/vocational guidance and direction. Professionals or agencies experiencing work-related issues interfering with goal achievement and sustainability. LPC Interns who need direct supervision.

Now Accepting New Patients 18 years of age and older. Appointments provided Monday-Thursday. Online appointments or face to face appointments with proper social distancing. Individual therapy. **IN NETWORK with BCBSTX PPO, United Health Care (UHC) and Traditional Medicare Part B. COVID-19 related isolation, fear and conflict, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Self-esteem, Coping skills, Stress Management, school stress, family issues. Short-term, solution focused cognitive behavior therapy. www.franduane.com

I enjoy serving individuals and couples braving the tough and rewarding work of therapy. My approach is to provide a safe environment in which my clients cultivate greater personal insight and emotional intelligence that ultimately promotes self-understanding, healing from past/present wounds and growth toward realizing a more whole self and/or relationship. I work with adults and couples with wide-ranging concerns including depression, anxiety, adjustment, identity, unwanted sexual behaviors, marriage & relationship concerns, and issues related to faith. I utilize Gottman Method Couples Therapy concepts in my work with couples.

Taking the first step toward change is hard and requires courage. In reading this, you have already taken the first step. My role in the therapeutic process is to walk along side my clients, providing support and instilling hope that change is possible. I focus on the development of a solid therapeutic relationship. Within the context of that relationship, I see therapy as a conversation. My job is to ask the right questions, assist clients to formulate their own goals for the process and to explore their own unique motivation for change.

We are all faced with challenges throughout our lives. My goal is providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your answers to these challenges without worries. As a counselor, I would like to understand each client as a person and help clients figure out how to help themselves. I value clients' ability to learn their strength as well as weakness, to identify their goals and potential solutions, and to change their lives in positive ways.

What brought you to this page? Are you curious about counseling? Are you feeling desperate to find some relief in your current situation? Are you feeling like no one else understands what you’re going through and you don’t want to burden others? Whatever your reason, I’m glad you’re here.

****Now Accepting New Clients January 2021**** Meeting the Clients where they are… Searching out and seeking help from a mental health professional can be scary and overwhelming. I believe the key to building a strong therapeutic alliance is meeting the client where they are. As a therapist my role is to provide non-judgmental unconditional positive regard, to help my client with exploring and overcoming life’s challenges. The therapeutic process is meant to be an empowering and enlightening experience. As a therapist, I meet my client in a dark, confusing place and we journey together to a place of peace and inner well-being.

I've been in practice for more than 30 years, the last three decades in the Bryan/College Station area. I work with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues. I have extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, personality disorders, marital issues, anger, stress management, and parent-child relationships. I am available for office sessions as well as phone and online counseling.

You never thought you'd end up here... feeling overwhelmed, emotional, and exhausted. You're not sure who you are anymore, and you don't feel like you can push through, ignore, or compartmentalize these feelings any longer. Maybe it started recently after a loss, relationship change, trauma, or life transition. Maybe it started much earlier in life. Either way, this territory feels difficult for you, and you're ready to give yourself what you find so much easier to give to others... HELP.

(Currently accepting new clients. Please reach out to me by phone or email) "Life can take you where you least expect it to, and it can throw you for a loop. One of the hardest things to do, is to reach out and ask for help, but it is also the most courageous thing to do. As a therapist, I work collaboratively with people to develop a life plan that will promote their life satisfaction. I believe each individual is unique and it is important to develop a safe therapeutic relationship to work together on your desired life goals" Shelly Coufal, MA, LPC Intern

There are times in life we feel like we have reached a point that we need help getting back on track. Sometimes we have been experiencing this for a long time, sometimes it is sudden. There are times we need help learning how to successfully cope with our experiences and change how we view and approach our lives. When you have reached this point, I can help.

Are you stressed out, depressed, confused, or in transition? Are you new to the university or the U.S.? Do you feel different from others? Do you believe you are not achieving your potential due to anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, or some other obstacle? In our work together I will help you connect with your strengths so that you can do what you do best. I work from a collaborative, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral and integrative perspective. I pay close attention to social and cultural factors. I am pragmatic in my approach to help my clients reach their goals. I provide counseling in Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese.

Anxiety has taken a hold of your life and left you feeling trapped in a negative feedback loop. Maybe you're at a loss for where to go next in life, afraid that you'll take a devastating misstep. You may be struggling from perfectionism, always beating yourself up for not being good enough. Or maybe you're a habitual people pleaser, constantly ignoring your own needs (and maybe struggling to even know what it is YOU want for yourself). What you do know is that you're overwhelmed and unsure why you can't break these painful cycles.

Generally, I work with people who feel stuck; they have a desire for change in their life but don’t know how. They may feel undeserving of change or invalidated by people close to them. Others may feel unsupported in their endeavors or may be struggling to cope with transitions or difficult events. My approach to therapy includes collaboratively working with you to develop goals and interventions for change. In this approach, we will explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behavior.

My focus is helping clients find healing from past wounds, come to a deeper understanding of current habits and patterns, and discover greater freedom and peace. As a Catholic counselor, I integrate faith into the counseling process and respect the beliefs and values you bring to our sessions. Through counseling, you can gain greater insight into why you struggle so much with certain issues and develop new habits and thinking patterns while drawing closer to God and discovering more about yourself.

My primary focus is helping new parents with their life transition. No matter if your pregnancy and birth experience was easy sailing or filled with ups and downs from start to finish. This time of transition is a filled with joy but it can also be overwhelming and not quite what you expected. I strive to create a place where new parents can discuss the aspects of parenthood that are taxing on an emotional level without the need to put on a face that everything is perfect.