Chris Shade

As a therapist, I specialize in helping adults in all stages of life from young adults exploring their identity to professionals developing a work-life balance between home and the workplace to those in life transitions seeking meaning and purpose in the twilight years. Also, I work with couples of all ages from those seeking premarital counseling to those who have been in a relationship for many years who are seeking to reconnect and find the reasons that brought them together to those seeking to improve communication or in need of strategies in approaching conflict.

Therapy begins by honoring the unique needs and experiences of each client. Because I meet clients where they are in life, I consider myself an eclectic counselor.

For clients seeking couples therapy, my foundation is rooted in the Gottman Method where I am trained in both Levels 1 and 2 of this highly researched, evidence-based approach to couples therapy. This method offers  practical tools to help couples improve communication, manage conflict effectively, strengthen emotional connection, and build a healthier, more resilient relationship.

For clients seeking counseling for trauma, I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and resolve distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming, allowing clients to experience greater emotional relief, resilience, and healing.

For clients with anxiety, my approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, building coping skills, and practicing new responses so clients can feel more confident, grounded, and in control.

For clients struggling with alcohol use, but want another option besides Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or rehabilitation facilities, I use The Sinclair Method (TSM), a science-based approach that helps reduce alcohol cravings by pairing medication (Naltrexone, which is prescribed by a doctor) with therapeutic strategies for behavior modification. This method greatly reduces (and for many, extinguishes) cravings while allowing the brain to gradually unlearn the reward response to alcohol. TSM is a compassionate, nonjudgmental, shame-free approach that helps to restore the brain to its preaddicted condition.

For clients wanting to learn from books and/or workbooks, I offer bibliotherapy, an evidence-based therapeutic approach using literature to support mental health, promote psychological healing, and foster personal growth. Also, I often share audio and/or video content to support clients between sessions.

While somewhat new to the field of counseling (approaching three years), I bring 30 years of experience in my education career as a teacher, principal, central office administrator, consultant, keynote speaker, and leadership coach supporting people through personal concerns and crises, and I look forward to doing the same with you in a nonjudgmental, shame-free, comfortable space as well as a place to be you…as is!

Chris Shade, B.S., M.Ed., M.S., Licensed Professional Counselor Associate Supervised by Michelle Fitzhugh, M.A., Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

Cell Phone: (469) 444-1507

Email: chrisshade@redeemedlifecounseling.com

Office: 415 US-377 Suite 202, Argyle, TX 76226

View my Psychology Today Profile.

Check out my  “Présumé” (What Do I Do?)