Meet Shelby Rouse

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shelby Rouse. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shelby below.

Shelby , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My journey to discovering my purpose as a mental health therapist has been shaped by personal experience and a deep commitment to helping others. Having struggled with anxiety and OCD from a young age, I have personally witnessed the transformative impact that therapy can have in developing coping strategies and resilience. Additionally, the loss of several loved ones to mental health challenges has further fueled my passion for supporting individuals in crisis. Preventing others from experiencing the devastation of suicide and helping families navigate mental health struggles is not only important to me, but serves as a guiding force in my work.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I provide comprehensive care across a wide range of age groups and specialize in trauma therapy, utilizing evidence-based modalities that have been shown to significantly reduce the impact of trauma and improve overall well-being. These therapeutic approaches have not only been effective in my personal life but have also produced positive outcomes for my clients, which fuels my passion for this work.

In addition, I have extensive experience working with neurodiverse populations, having spent several years in the behavioral health field prior to becoming licensed as a mental health professional. I am particularly dedicated to supporting children, teens, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions. Helping individuals from age five and up navigate their mental health challenges and addressing any deficits related to neurodiversity is a deeply fulfilling aspect of my practice.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The ability to take control of our responses and reactions is a powerful and empowering realization. By training our minds to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, we gain the ability to navigate challenging situations with dignity and composure.

Patience is a critical component of the therapeutic process. When I first work with a client and we begin developing a treatment plan, it is important to recognize that they may not initially be ready to engage in the deeper, more challenging aspects of therapy. Creating a safe and supportive environment where the client feels comfortable and empowered to decide when they are ready to confront difficult trauma work requires both patience and empathy.

The ability to confront challenging or uncomfortable issues that require attention is a valuable skill. Many individuals tend to avoid confrontation when possible, yet there are situations in which it is necessary for resolution and growth. Learning how to approach and address these matters with tact and professionalism is a skill I believe everyone can benefit from, as it fosters healthier communication and more effective problem-solving.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who is committed to personal growth and open to making meaningful changes in their life. They possess the self-awareness to reflect on their challenges and strengths, and are willing to hold themselves accountable in the process. The ideal client values therapy as a priority, not only for their own well-being but also for fostering healthier relationships with those around them. They are ready to engage in meaningful conversations about both present struggles and any past experiences they wish to address, with a focus on healing and personal development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elevatedmindsaz.com
• Instagram: elevated_minds_az