Last edited 03/05/2025
Rhonda ShieldsLPCC
LPCC
She / Her / Hers
Accepting New Clients
Online in New Mexico
Identifies As
She / Her / Hers
Get To Know Me
What would be important for someone to know about working with you?
Therapy with me is about getting better more than just feeling better. I work with clients to help them develop rational self-counseling skills. In other words, develop the skills to be their own therapist. To call it a coping tool box would be very incorrect. Rational self-counseling skills is a system that works with all the experiences in our life. In addition, working on trauma that often creates so many difficult means to cope in a way that is not reliving the trauma but resolving the memories and life lessons that are painful. The bottom line is to live a more joyful life...no matter what happens.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
Laughter. I hear that from my clients that they appreciate about me is that we laugh. Oh there can be tears, but there is healing laughter. Never laughter at anyone's expense and life absurdities is fair game. Also I operate on the belief that no one cares what I can do (education, therapy modalities or letters after my name) until they know that I care. I believe that it is an honor and responsibility to come along side my clients to help them meet their goals that brought them into therapy to begin with.
How has your particular field of specialization evolved in recent years and how has that impacted your work?
Most of the work that I have done is with people who have incredible histories of trauma from childhood on. They may come in with substance use or social anxiety but at the heart is lots of trauma from their own lives and as a result of the generational trauma that affects their families. I wanted very much to help clients who wanted to end the cycle of violence, heal from their own pain and thrive not just survive. In 2009, I found Rational Living Therapy which is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that includes optional and very helpful hypnosis along with a system to regulate emotions that they may have never seen in the chaos of their own childhoods. I have gained diplomat status from my expertise in the field. Over the years it has been an honor to see people take these lessons, change their emotional experience and heal the past wounds. Many of the trauma techniques include reliving the traumatic memories, I've found several more hypnotic techniques that remove the trauma quickly without re-traumatizing the client.
Learn more about my:
Location
Online Therapy
Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyRelationship IssuesDissociative disordersTrauma
General Expertise
DepressionAnxietySocial AnxietyAddictionAbuse/Survivors of abuseAnger managementCompulsive behaviorDrug addiction & abuseParenting issuesPersonality disordersPhobias & fearsPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)StressSubstance abuseWeight loss & managementBurnout
Treatment Approaches
HypnotherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual Therapy
Serves Ages
Adults (25-65)
Languages
English
Insurance & Fees
Insurances Accepted
Blue Cross Blue ShieldUnitedHealthCare (UHC)Magellan HealthMedicaid
Cash Pay Rates/Out-of-Pocket
| Individual Therapy: | $150 |
Professional Background
LicensureNew Mexico, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, CCMH0132951
Training/CertificationsDiplomat in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists
Education
New Mexico Highlands University, Master of Professional Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, 2006 — With nearly two decades of experience in mental health, I bring a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma, addiction, and emotional challenges.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University (1997) and a master’s degree in counseling from New Mexico Highlands University (2006).
Specialized Training: Certified in Rational Living Therapy (RLT), a goal-oriented form of CBT. I hold diplomat status with the National Association of Cognitive Therapy.
Hypnotherapy Expertise: Trained in hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and Neurolinguistic Programming, I use these tools to help clients achieve faster, lasting results.
Work HistoryMy Story and Journey
Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals from all walks of life, many of whom carried deep emotional scars from trauma, addiction, and personal struggles. These experiences shaped my belief that therapy should be empowering and transformative.
I’ve spent over 18 years refining my approach to therapy, combining the best of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with innovative techniques like guided imagery and hypnosis. My goal is simple: to help my clients not just survive, but thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Rhonda Shields, LPCC, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Rhonda Shields accepting new clients?
Yes, Rhonda Shields is accepting new clients for online therapy in New Mexico.
Does Rhonda Shields accept insurance?
Yes, Rhonda Shields accepts insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Magellan Health, Medicaid and UnitedHealthCare (UHC).
What types of therapy does Rhonda Shields offer?
Rhonda Shields offers therapy for individuals.
Does Rhonda Shields offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in New Mexico can book Rhonda Shields for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Rhonda Shields offer online therapy?
Yes, Rhonda Shields offers online therapy via video sessions to people in New Mexico.
How quickly can I see Rhonda Shields?
Rhonda Shields typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Rhonda Shields speak?
Rhonda Shields conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Rhonda Shields online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Rhonda Shields online using Choosing Therapy’s directory.
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