Life isn’t always easy. When things are too difficult to handle on our own, it can be helpful to talk with someone who has an objective viewpoint, and who can help sort through the “mess” to find clarity. From grieving or coping with challenging life circumstances to learning more about the strengths and areas of growth with your partner—counseling is one way to find peace and live life to the fullest.

Welcome

Hi, I’m Shama Winston-Ford, a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and the founder of Disruptive Thinking Counseling. My passion is helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, rediscover hope, and build lives rooted in healing, growth, and purpose. I believe that therapy should be both accessible and transformative. That’s why I offer flexible, reduced-cost options for those in need—because everyone deserves the opportunity to heal. In the last couple years, more than 25% of my clients received free services through this commitment to community care.

My Approach

My counseling style is compassionate, creative, and client-centered. I integrate evidence-based practices with genuine empathy and spiritual awareness to meet each person where they are. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges, offering both individual and couples therapy. My approach combines traditional and innovative therapy methods, including:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Gottman Level 1 & 2 Couples Therapy
• Art Therapy and Play Therapy
• Christian Counseling and Mindfulness-Based Approaches

To make therapy more engaging and accessible, I also offer walk-and-talk sessions, beach therapy, and both virtual and in-person consultations. My goal is to help each client feel seen, heard, and empowered to create lasting change.

My Background

I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Dominica in the Caribbean and immigrated to the United States at the age of 14. That journey taught me resilience, faith, and the power of human connection—all values that shape the way I practice therapy today. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and clinical counseling from Charleston Southern University, where I now proudly serve as an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department.

Currently, I am a third-year doctoral candidate at Regent University, pursuing my Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision. My doctoral studies allow me to further enhance my contributions as a counselor, educator, and mentor.

In addition to my clinical and teaching roles, I facilitate biweekly self-care groups for clinicians in Ukraine and counseling students at the International Institution of Postgraduate Education. I am also deeply committed to mentoring future counselors through Counselors for Social Justice and other volunteer initiatives. Over the past 15 years, I have devoted time to serving underserved communities, including six years with the Inner-City Girls Program, Horizons.

A Bit About Me

I’ve been happily married to my husband, Reggie, for 19 years, and together we have two wonderful sons. Outside of my professional life, I love baking, walking through Hampton Park, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. These simple moments remind me of the importance of balance, connection, and gratitude—values I carry into my work with every client I serve.

Katie Gross & Angie Jacobs have joined together their knowledge, years of experience, and passion for helping others achieve wellness and healing to create Breathe Life Counseling. They are dedicated to focusing on your own goals towards wellness and creating a treatment plan to compliment your inherent strengths. Breathe Life Counseling therapists use a wide variety of evidence-based therapy techniques to promote holistic wellness of the mind, body, and soul. They encompass a diversional perspective wherein recreational activities are explored and utilized to promote higher self-esteem and personal fulfillment in life while providing non-judgmental physical, psychological, social, intellectual and spiritual/cultural support.

Website: https://breathe-life-counseling.com
* Note* Parkside congregants can receive financial support with Breathe Life. Just ask!