Online Counseling Services for Texas Women (18+) & Couples

Reconnect with your empowered self and embrace all of your parts, ​light and shadow.

Shakira Barnes, MA, LPC Associate

Owner & Therapist | Supervised by Johanna Torres, MS, LPC-S
Hello there, and welcome!

I’m honored to introduce myself as the founder of Sage & Shadows Counseling, based in San Antonio, Texas. My approach to therapy is rooted in cultural humility, deep empathy, and unwavering allyship—creating a safe space for all, including the LGBTQIA+ and non-monogamous communities. And while we do the deep work, you can expect a little Southern sass to keep things real along the way.

Healing is my calling. I specialize in complex trauma, relational trauma, and narcissistic abuse because I understand how profoundly these experiences shape the mind, body, and spirit. My work is centered on helping clients reclaim their power, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves in ways that feel both safe and transformative.
Beyond trauma work, I support clients navigating anxiety, personality disorders, self-esteem struggles, and suicidality. I also work with individuals experiencing executive functioning challenges (including Autism and ADHD), providing guidance in boundaries, structure, and self-compassion to foster greater balance and well-being.

Many clients come to me expecting therapy to feel like a rigid, top-down experience—where the therapist is the authority, and they’re just along for the ride. That couldn’t be further from my approach. I believe you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering insight, support, and space to breathe—both literally and figuratively—as we explore the little and big traumas alike.

Outside the therapy room, I embrace the art of slow, intentional self-care. You’ll often find me curled up at home with my cat, indulging in a book, and relaxing with bath bomb in candlelit stillness. As an indoorsy adventurer, I love cozy game nights with friends, brunch dates with my partner, and traveling to new places when wanderlust calls.

If you’re ready to step into your healing journey, I’d be honored to walk with you. Let’s begin.
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As a therapist, I am:

Authentic

I don’t sit above you with all the answers—I walk beside you as a fellow traveler. Healing is a journey of discovery, and together, we’ll explore the wisdom within your story. You are not alone in this.​

Intentional

Every word I speak in our sessions is intentional—rooted in thoughtfulness, insight, and a deep commitment to your healing. Nothing is said or explored without purpose. Together, we create a space where reflection leads to transformation.​

Direct

I hold space for both honesty and healing. When I see an opportunity for growth or a new perspective, I will gently but directly bring it to light—because true transformation begins with clarity​.

More about my experience:
Education & Licensure
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas.
  • Masters of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.
  • Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.
Methods & Modalities
  • ​Interpersonal and relational approach
  • Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Interpersonal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
  • Jungian Approach to Tarot
Professional development
Seminars:
  • Borderline, Narcissistic, Antisocial and Histrionic Personality Disorders: Effective Treatments for Challenging Clients 
  • Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals: 2-Day Distance Therapy Training

Trainings:
  • Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP-II) Course with Janina Fisher
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification Training
  • Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) Training with Dr. Ramani Durvasula
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Are you ready to step into your own wisdom
​and embrace your wholeness?

​​Schedule your complimentary 20-minute consultation!
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