A Decade of Faith, Vision, and Holistic Healing

This year, I celebrate 10 years in business — 10 years since I took a leap of faith and started Sims Counseling and Consulting.

When I first began, there was not a roadmap or a playbook waiting for me. I didn’t come from a family of business owners. I was a first-generation business owner with a dream, a lot of determination, and a strong faith in God. What I did have was a vision — to create something meaningful, something that would make people feel safe, seen, and supported.

Those early days were full of lessons. I was learning how to run a business while also showing up for clients who were trusting me with their deepest pain. There were moments I wanted to give up, moments where doubt crept in and I wondered if I should just do something else. But every time I reached that point, I reminded myself of why I started — and I trusted that God hadn’t brought me this far to leave me.

Growing up, I didn’t always have the privilege of choosing my providers, it was whatever my state-based insurance would allow. I remember being referred to people who didn’t seem thrilled to work with me — people who didn’t really see me. And when you don’t feel seen, it’s hard to feel safe enough to share what’s really going on. That experience left a deep impression on me. It became my mission to create a space where people could receive the care they deserve — a space where they could be seen, heard, and valued. That passion has guided every decision I’ve made at Sims Counseling and Consulting.What started as a solo practice has grown into a thriving group practice that continues to touch lives and build community. I’m so proud of the safe spaces we’ve created for clients — and equally proud of the supportive environment we’ve built for our clinicians. I’ve learned that caregivers need care, too. When clinicians are poured into and supported, they can show up whole for the people they serve.

Ten years later, I look back with so much gratitude — for the lessons, the challenges, the many supportive community partners, the faith that carried me, and the incredible people who have trusted us with their stories.

This milestone is more than just a business anniversary — it’s a reflection of resilience, faith, and purpose. And it’s only the beginning.

Here’s to the next chapter: continuing to create spaces of healing, belonging, and hope — one person, one family, one conversation at a time.

With Deep Breaths & Gratitude,

LaShonda Sims Duncan, LPCC-S, LCMHC, SEP, NCC, RTY200

Founder & CEO, Sims Counseling & Consulting, Louisville, Kentucky