Shannon Davis-Wills, DHA LPC-S
Shannon Davis-Wills, DHA, LPC-S, is a dedicated mental health professional and founder of Hope Within Counseling PLLC. Her career began in cosmetology, where she first discovered the power of listening and holding space for others. Recognizing the transformative potential of those early connections, she pursued counseling and psychology, earning her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Dallas Baptist University and her Doctorate in Health Care Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg. Shannon combines her clinical expertise with a deep understanding of human connection, helping clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
Today, Shannon primarily works with emerging adults aged 17 to 30, guiding them through identity formation, trauma recovery, and the challenges of early adulthood. She provides individual and couples therapy, crisis intervention, and clinical consultation across multiple states, including Texas, Florida, and Colorado, ensuring that mental health care remains accessible despite geographical barriers. In 2020, she launched her private practice, navigating the complexities of online therapy, insurance credentialing, and full administrative management, all while maintaining a trauma-informed and client-centered approach.
Beyond her private practice, Shannon is committed to community service and holistic healing. She volunteers with organizations such as Trauma Support of North Texas and the Warrior Spirit Project, offering counseling and mindfulness support to individuals impacted by crisis and veterans’ families. Additionally, she is preparing to publish her book, Healing from Within, in March 2026, extending her reach to those seeking guidance and hope beyond the therapy room. Shannon’s work reflects her belief that true healing is holistic, compassionate, and rooted in connection.
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Virginia University of Lynchburg - DHA
• Arlington Chamber of Commerce
• Trauma Support of North Texas
What do you attribute your success to?
I began my career in cosmetology, a field grounded in connection and listening, not realizing that these early conversations would shape my path as a licensed mental health therapist. Today, I support emerging adults, ages 17 to 30, as they navigate identity formation, trauma recovery, and the pressures of becoming established in a complex world. I serve clients across Texas, Florida, and Colorado, ensuring distance is never a barrier to care.
In 2020, I launched my private practice during the pandemic, transitioning fully online and managing every aspect of the business myself. This experience was challenging but empowering, reinforcing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and holding space for others. Earning my trauma-informed yoga certification during this time further strengthened my approach, highlighting the power of connection and holistic healing.
Looking ahead, I am excited to share my upcoming book, Healing from Within (March 2026, XLIBRIS), offering understanding, language, and hope to those not yet ready for therapy.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this field to trust their intuition, take things one day at a time, and seek support when needed. No one builds something meaningful alone, and asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. Even when starting your own practice, focus on progress, not perfection, and remember—you are not alone on this journey.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges of my career was launching a private practice in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had to quickly build a fully virtual practice, navigate insurance and compliance on my own, and support clients facing heightened anxiety and trauma. Another ongoing challenge is expanding access to care—multi-state therapist shortages inspired me to pursue additional licensure, allowing me to reach clients who might otherwise go without support. While demanding, these experiences have been incredibly rewarding and growth-oriented.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service has always been central to both my work and personal life. I am a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the National Board of Certified Counselors, and since 2016, I’ve volunteered with Trauma Support of North Texas, providing counseling to individuals affected by crisis and trauma. I am also actively involved with the Warrior Spirit Project, a nonprofit that brings yoga and mindfulness practices to veterans and their families. These experiences reflect my core belief: healing happens when people are supported holistically, with compassion and without judgment.