Meet Shelle Mathis of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelle Mathis.

Hi Shelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began in Elyria, Ohio, where my faith and desire to help others laid the foundation for my life’s work. I wanted to help people find healing, strengthen their relationships, and recognize that their struggles do not have to define their future.

That calling led me into counseling, ministry, and community leadership. In 2013, I founded Shelle M. Mathis Counseling Services LLC, creating a space where people could receive professional mental health care while honoring their faith. Over more than 22 years of experience, I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and people facing mental health and addiction challenges.

My desire to bridge the gap between faith and mental health also shaped my doctoral research, “Mental Illness and the Role of the Church.” Through counseling, speaking, writing, and training, I help churches and communities understand that seeking professional support is compatible with trusting God.

Today, I continue expanding that work through The Dr. Shelle Mathis Institute and “Injection for Your Soul,” bringing education, encouragement, and practical tools to others. Each chapter has strengthened my commitment to helping people heal, discover purpose, and move forward with hope.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being the first black Christian woman in my county brought challenges. For instance there would be meetings that agencies (all) should attend to get to know each other and the needs in the community and I would not be invited or I had to go under my employees of another persuasion. Also getting other agencies to take my agency serious was a challenge. Once that door was clear I started getting the seriously mentally ill the ones no one wanted to deal with. In spite of it all I learned not to play the game as some suggested but rewrite the players book.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Christian therapist, speaker, author, and the founder of Shelle M. Mathis Counseling Services LLC. My work centers on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate emotional challenges, strengthen relationships, and break unhealthy patterns. I specialize in concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges, and high-conflict relationships.

I also provide seminars, workshops, and training for churches, community organizations, and professionals. Through The Dr. Shelle Mathis Institute and my “Injection for Your Soul” messages, I bring together mental health education, faith, and practical tools people can use in everyday life.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect clinical knowledge with spiritual understanding while respecting each person’s beliefs and needs. As a licensed professional clinical counselor and ordained minister with more than 22 years of experience, I understand the importance of creating space for honest conversations about both emotional pain and faith. My doctoral research, “Mental Illness and the Role of the Church,” reflects my commitment to reducing stigma and strengthening collaboration between faith leaders and mental health professionals.

One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming the first African American woman to establish a Christian private counseling practice in Lorain County. Beyond that milestone, I am most proud of the trust people place in me and the growth I have the privilege of witnessing—whether that means someone finding their voice, a couple rebuilding trust, or a church becoming better equipped to support its members.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, I believe mental health care will become more accessible, more collaborative, and more focused on the whole person. I expect virtual counseling and flexible combinations of online and in-person services to remain an important part of reaching people who face barriers to care.

Technology, including artificial intelligence, will also play a larger role. My hope is that we use these tools thoughtfully while preserving the human connection that makes counseling meaningful. People need to feel heard, understood, and supported.

One shift I am especially passionate about is stronger collaboration between mental health professionals and faith communities. I envision more churches equipping their leaders to recognize mental health concerns, respond with compassion, and connect people with professional support. I want to help create a future where people feel comfortable seeking counseling while drawing strength from their faith.

I also hope to see greater emphasis on prevention—teaching emotional wellness, healthy communication, and coping skills before people reach a crisis. Through my practice, research, and training, I want to help make mental health conversations more informed, compassionate, and accessible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.shellemmathiscounselorservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellemathis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelle.m.harris
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shelle-mathis-179aa184