I first connected with Shannon of Rooted Counseling & Wellness two years ago, around the time I started my Instagram page. Back then, her practice was young and small, but I immediately knew it was something special. It created a much- needed safe space of wellness, intentionally providing therapeutic resources Richardson previously lacked. Fast forward to today: Rooted grew into a 7-person practice covering a broad range of sought-after specialties. Paying homage to how we first met, I sat down with Shannon again to recap Rooted’s journey thus far and get her best wellness advice.

Tell us a bit of your “backstory.”
I grew up in the Plano area, went to Texas Tech, and then returned to DFW to attend graduate school at SMU. I’ve worked in the non-profit, hospital, and private practice settings for mental health. I have always been passionate about supporting high achieving, perfectionist women. After my own struggle with postpartum anxiety, I realized we have a large gap in maternal mental health care. I am passionate about supporting women as they journey from trying to conceive to transitioning to empty nesters.

Why did you start Rooted?
I opened Rooted Counseling & Wellness in April 2023 with the intention of providing holistic and accessible mental health care to the Richardson community. As a business owner, I wanted an office space to grow with other providers in the area. It was important to me to work within a community and not become isolated within a solo private practice. I am grateful that while we are all independent providers, we come together to serve families. As a provider, I wanted an office that could serve the needs of different family members without being cost prohibitive. Our office has highly trained mental health providers for individuals struggling with postpartum, neurodiversity, complex trauma, and addiction recovery. I’m excited to announce that we also have an amazing provider who works with speech, sound, and oral myofunctional disorders.

When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the community?
I think the most important work we do is impacting the lives of our individual clients by connecting them to the community and empowering them. When we can connect our clients to social groups and other community partners, they have an opportunity to see that they are not alone.

What are five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journeys towards better wellbeing?

1. Hydrate – Whether you are grabbing your Stanley/Owala/bottle of your choice, don’t underestimate the power of hydration. Meeting your body’s needs is an act of self compassion and can be protective against anxiety and depression symptoms.
2. Get outside – You can ground barefoot in the morning light. You can walk from the back of the Target parking lot. You can step outside at night after the house has settled in for the night.
3. Be kind to yourself – Many times we talk to ourselves in a way that we would never talk to someone else. The next time you are being harsh or critical, pause. Is there a way to talk to yourself like someone you love? Can you focus on the efforts made rather than the outcome?
4. Get connected – Grab a coffee at Staycation, volunteer at the animal shelter, or join a meeting at All Moms. If you are feeling lonely, you are not alone. Find a cause or group that you care about and try out a meeting. We were never meant to do life alone. It can be scary to go somewhere new, but that act of bravery might bring you to a meaningful relationship (with yourself, a fellow group member, or a pup who needs a home).
5. Name your feelings – Look up a feelings wheel and start using it! Many adults struggle to identify feelings beyond mad, glad, and sad. Feelings process differently in our body when we can name and acknowledge them. We are also better able to receive support and connect when we can let others into our experience.

   
Rooted Counseling and Wellness
www.rootedtx.com
info@rootedtx.com
(469) 207-3365