Shannon Kratky
(they/them/she/her)
PhD, NCC, LPC-S (TX), LMHC (WA), LCDC (TX), EMDR Certified
Owner and Counselor at Courageous Story Counseling, PLLC
Dr. Shannon Kratky (“Shannon”) co-owns Courageous Story Counseling, PLLC, in San Antonio, TX, and provides mental health and substance use care for adults (18+), and specializes in complex trauma (i.e., “complicated childhoods,” interpersonal violence), care for LGBTQiA2S+ persons, and harm reduction-oriented substance use care. Shannon is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Supervisor (LPC-S) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and licensed in the State of Washington as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Shannon is also certified in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Dr. Kratky employs an anti-oppressive, liberation-focused, culturally responsive systemic approach and integrates strengths-based modalities, including EMDR, expressive arts, harm reduction principles, and more. They also work from a neuro-affirming framework and celebrate neurodivergence. She firmly believes in annihilating the question of “What is wrong with you?” and, instead, asks, “What happened to you?” and “What is right about you?”
They also provide education and training for mental health professionals, other health care professionals, organizations, and community members across the US on various topics, including LGBTQiA2S+ affirming and inclusive care, childhood sexual abuse and other forms of interpersonal violence, substance use, community and self care, and more.
Dr. Kratky earned their PhD in Counseling from Oregon State University, where their research explored the experiences of internalized oppression and liberation for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with queer identities. She also earned her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies from Texas Tech University. While attending UTSA, Shannon was awarded and completed the Minority Fellowship Program in Addictions Counseling by the National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF), where they committed to providing services for underserved and never-served persons. They remains committed to serving these persons today.
Shannon has worked in the field of mental health since 2009, when she started her career as a Special Education Teacher for students experiencing behavioral and mental health concerns. She has worked in multiple settings throughout her career in mental health, including employment as an advocate and counselor at the Rape Crisis Center, field researcher for the National Drug and Alcohol Study, and Behavioral Health Specialist in the Greater Denver Metro Area. They have journeyed alongside hundreds of clients in residential and outpatient centers who are seeking recovery from mental health concerns, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Dr. Kratky truly values opportunities for advocacy and thoroughly enjoys connecting with others through service. Currently, she serves on the LGBTQiA2S+ Clinical Standards Committee with The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and as a volunteer and mentor with the NBCCF. Previously, Shannon served in leadership positions within NAADAC, NBCCF, and on the Board of Directors for LBJ Behavioral Services, Inc., a non-profit in the Greater Orlando Area that provides quality mental health services to those who may not otherwise have access to care.
