MEET OUR COUNSELORS
“At the heart of every problem is a problem of the heart.”
ABBY SHIELDS
FOUNDER OF NHLB
BOARD CERTIFIED THERAPON
BELIEF THERAPIST
As an educator for 18 years, Abby Shields witnessed first-hand the tragic effects of wounded families and felt called to leave education and help fight the injustices against children and families. In 1992, Abby trusted Christ as her Lord and Savior. Over time, God began to give her eyes to see that the injustices she was fighting ultimately stemmed from a much greater spiritual or “heart problem.” God showed her that you can’t fix spiritual problems with worldly solutions. From this truth, with God’s direction and an obedient heart, Abby formed the NHLB foundation in 2006.
Today, she serves as NHLB’s primary Board certified belief therapist specializing in marriage and family counseling.
JESSICA KNIBBS, PLPC
B.S. PSYCHOLOGY LOYOLA UNIVERSITY M.A. CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS
Jessica is a provisionally licensed professional counselor under the supervision of a board approved licensed professional counselor supervisor. She earned her B.S. in psychology from Loyola University in New Orleans. She also received a M.A. degree from the University of the Cumberlands. Jessica counsels using an integrated biblical perspective, with focuses in Client Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Areas of focus:
Spiritual Growth & Identity
Relationship Issues
Stress/Burnout
Trauma
PTSD
Grief and Loss
“My heart for counseling stems from my own personal relationship with Jesus and the healing journey He has walked me through to overcome the wounds of my past. I use biblical principles along with my clinical training to create a safe space, that is holy spirit led and free from judgement allowing my clients to unpack and process their burdens. I am eager to support and empower each client as they seek healing and work towards establishing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.”
LAURA FREEMAN, PLMFT
B.S. SPEECH COMMUNICATIONS OUCHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY M.A. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
Laura is a master level clinician under the supervision of a board approved licensed professional counselor. A Dallas, Texas native, she earned a bachelors degree in speech communications from Ouchita Baptist University. She also holds a masters degree in marriage and family therapy from North Central University. Her passion is to provide a judgement-free space for her clients to process their grief, trauma, and other personal and family challenges.
Areas of focus:
Parenting
Marriage
Teenagers
Grief
Trauma
Seasons of Transition
Coping Skills
“My passion for counseling and teaching comes from a desire to help people understand themselves. During school, I was able to see how counseling gives me the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and help people experience healing and freedom. As one of my supervisors once told me, “We, as counselors, simply bind their wounds, but it is Jesus who heals them.””
WHITNEY FRENCH, PLPC
B.S. PSYCHOLOGY LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY M.A. CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
Whitney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, as well as her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from LeTourneau University, in Longview, Texas. She is currently a Louisiana Board Certified Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) under the supervision of Dr. Ashley Brooks, a Louisiana Board Certified Supervisor.Whitney has a sweet spot in her heart for couple’s therapy. She integrates biblical insight with various modalities to provide a holistic approach to care. Whitney is trained in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
Areas of Focus:
Couples
Individual Adults
Loss and Grief
Life Transitions
Identity Issues
Codependence
Anxiety/Depression
“In today’s culture, marriages are taking some hard hits. My favorite part of the work I do with couples is watching spouses and partners reconnect with one another by learning to repair their relationship in ways they were unfamiliar with prior to counseling.”
The glory of God is man fully alive - Saint Irenaeus
Affordable Counseling For All
At the heart of No Heart Left Behind’s counseling ministry is the desire to make counseling affordable to everyone. We firmly believe that a family or individual’s healing should not be hindered by finances. Therefore, the fee for NHLB’s counselors is simply a love offering based on the principle of 2nd Corinthians 9:7 that says, “ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” If you would like to donate to our efforts of continuing to provide quality, affordable counseling you can donate below. Your donations of any size are a blessing to us!