About

Who am I? Well really I am just a regular dude with a long and eventful life, and thankfully I feel like I’m really just getting going! I grew up in the Ohio Valley, spending my childhood in the Appalachian hills running, hunting, fishing, baling hay and helping the family with basic farm chores and timber production. As an adult, I decided to tackle the world, and big shock, my first round of college didn’t go as planned and I landed in the military. I served 20 years of active duty and completed a multitude of deployments, trainings, education opportunities and saw the world. While I was in the military, life didn’t stand still, I was married, had children, divorced, re-married, and had another child. My wife and I have successfully maintained our marriage for over 13 years, raised all 3 of my kids (thankfully, I had custody of my daughters from my first marriage!) to healthy and successful teenagers, with a strong family bond (this ol’ man is proud of his kiddos). While serving the country & raising a family I found a passion in the world of counseling and attained my BA in Psychology and my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also completed an AAS in Technical Management, and AAS in Education. After retirement I dove head long into the career of therapy and worked in a substance abuse residential facility in the Rocky Mountains of Utah. My family and I then decided a move closer to home was appropriate and we landed back in the Appalachian hills and I went to work as a therapist in Community Mental Health in order to “keep serving”. After starting my Private Practice my family and I made the tough decision to leave community health mostly because I believe true healing only happens when the body moves with the mind and that isn’t possible in such settings. When I’m not helping someone you can find me working on the farm we purchased, running my saw mill, spending time with my family, doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, any form of fitness activity or slaving over a grill or stove because I enjoy cooking too! I am a National Board Certified Counselor, and am an independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of KY and want nothing more than to find a way to help you if its a “good fit” between us!

It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.

-Seneca

Shawn Foster, LPCC
Counseling for Adults, Teens & Couples | Ashland, KY & Online

Hey there—I’m Shawn. I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a U.S. Army
Veteran, and I help people work through the hard stuff—anxiety, depression, trauma, or just feeling stuck and unsure of what’s next.
My style is down-to-earth, honest, and human. I believe healing happens when you feel safe to be yourself, without judgment or pressure. Whether you’re a teen trying to make sense of a messy world, an adult carrying heavy stuff from the past, or a couple trying to reconnect, my goal is to meet you where you are—with compassion, curiosity, and zero pretense.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR to help folks get unstuck and reconnect with what really matters to them. I also integrate aspects of nature therapy and believe in a whole-body approach to healing, understanding that true change involves both mind and body. That might mean learning how to sit with uncomfortable emotions, rewriting old narratives, or taking steps toward the life you want—even if it’s scary at first.
I personally believe in the power of nature to heal, which is why I enjoy hiking, backpacking, and kayaking. The outdoors helps me stay grounded, and I often encourage clients to explore how nature can support their own healing journey.
Before becoming a therapist, I served 7 years in the Army. That experience shaped how I show up for people: calm in a storm, grounded, and fully present. Since then, I’ve spent the past 7 years working in both inpatient and outpatient crisis settings, walking alongside people in some of their toughest moments.
If you’re ready to talk—or even if you’re not sure yet—I’m here. No pressure. Just a real
conversation when you’re ready.