Influential Woman · Mental Health Counseling
Tracy A. Long, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH
Mental Health Therapist | Resilience Coach | Founder & Owner, Shades of Resilience Counseling
Austin, TX 78748
Her Story
About Tracy
Tracy A. Long is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board Certified–TeleMental Health provider, resilience coach, and founder of Shades of Resilience Counseling, PLLC, in Austin, Texas. With more than two decades of experience in the helping profession, she specializes in trauma-focused therapy, emotional intelligence, resilience coaching, and mental performance training for athletes. Through her practice, Tracy is dedicated to helping individuals—particularly high-achieving and high-performing Black men—develop emotional intelligence, strengthen relationships, overcome burnout, and lead more fulfilling personal and professional lives. She also serves as a private mental performance coach, equipping athletes with evidence-based strategies to enhance focus, confidence, and emotional regulation under pressure. Tracy's path to counseling was shaped by her own healing journey following the loss of her father. This experience led her to therapy and deepened her understanding of the transformative power of cultural representation in mental health care. Inspired by the profound impact of her personal growth, she pursued advanced clinical training, completing a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University (CACREP-accredited program) after earning a Master of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE), completed 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical supervision, earning her professional credentials LPC, NCC, and BC-TMH. Her therapeutic philosophy emphasizes that resilience is strengthened through healing, authenticity, mindfulness, and meaningful human connection. Beyond her clinical work, Tracy is committed to advancing emotional wellness through leadership development, corporate training, community education, and advocacy. She is the creator of programs such as *The Resilient Man Blueprint* and regularly facilitates workshops, retreats, and conversations focused on emotional intelligence, trauma recovery, and sustainable leadership. Tracy also volunteers her time in community service and believes in leading by example through ongoing personal therapy, daily mindfulness meditation, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and cultivating supportive professional relationships. Guided by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to representation, she continues to empower individuals to move beyond survival and build lives defined by healing, resilience, and lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tracy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a deep sense of purpose and knowing this is the work I was meant to do. My own healing journey through therapy and daily mindfulness meditation taught me the importance of looking inward, reflecting, and growing continuously. Because I experienced the transformative impact of therapy firsthand, I believe it would be selfish not to share that same support with others in my community. My commitment to purpose, self-awareness, and authentic service has guided every stage of my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most powerful lessons I have learned is that resilience without healing is simply survival. I came to understand that true strength is not found in suppressing emotions or carrying life's burdens alone, but in having the courage to acknowledge pain, seek support, and actively pursue healing. This realization transformed both my personal journey and my professional practice, shaping the way I help others move beyond merely surviving toward living with greater resilience, purpose, and fulfillment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage anyone entering this profession to first understand their "why." Take time to reflect on your own experiences and recognize how they may influence the way you support others. Do your own therapeutic work so you appreciate what it feels like from the client's perspective. Be genuine, authentic, and fully dedicated to the people you serve. This profession has the power to change lives for generations, and building a strong community of supportive professionals is essential because none of us succeeds alone.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in mental health is the lack of cultural representation in healthcare for Black and Brown communities, along with the demanding and costly licensure process for clinicians. Trauma-focused work is also emotionally demanding and requires ongoing self-care. At the same time, I see overlooked opportunities to improve representation in mental health services, strengthen networks of supportive professionals, and increase access to authentic, trauma-informed care that empowers underserved demographics.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my personal life and professional practice are purpose, authenticity, resilience, representation, mindfulness, and balance. I prioritize my own therapy, practice mindfulness meditation every day, stay active through running, and intentionally make time for my family, especially my four grandchildren, and travel. I also believe in surrounding myself with a supportive community of professionals who encourage one another's growth. These practices help me remain grounded so I can serve others with integrity and compassion.
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