Today we’d like to introduce you to K. Michelle Ware.
Hi K. Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in a safe and loving Christian home by two incredibly patient parents who taught me faith, humility, and the importance of extending grace to others. The values my Godly parents instilled in me became the foundation of who I am today. Those early lessons in compassion and strength helped carry me through both the blessings and the challenges that shaped my life.
I am a lifelong educator and counselor with a deep passion for helping others grow, heal, and thrive. My journey began at Georgia Southern University, where I earned my degree in elementary education. I later pursued a master’s degree in counseling from Cambridge College, followed by a specialist degree in counseling from Georgia Southern.
I spent many years teaching 4th and 5th grade in a large rural school, where I quickly became known as an inspiring, loving, and fun — yet firm — teacher. My students were never just “kids in my class”; they were my kids, and many of them still stay in touch with me to this day.
Eventually, I transitioned into the role of school counselor, a position I held for 17 years. That work became a true calling for me. Supporting children through both their struggles and their triumphs gave my career tremendous purpose. The job brought many challenging moments, but it also brought incredible joy, connection, and meaning.
I retired from the school system a few years ago and now own and operate my private practice, Soulshine Counseling Services. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I work with clients of all ages — children, teens, and adults. I believe that my combined experience as a teacher, school counselor, and therapist allows me to offer a unique blend of empathy, insight, and practical support to every person I meet.
Outside of my professional life, I cherish time with my husband, wonderful children, and grandchildren. I feel incredibly fortunate — and truly honored — that they choose to include me in their busy lives. They are my heart and the center of so much of my joy. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, attending church, and my new hobby-oil painting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My path hasn’t always been traditional, and the challenges I faced along the way shaped both my strength and my compassion. I married young and began college while raising my two daughters, often balancing coursework, parenthood, and responsibilities that many of my peers didn’t yet understand. Those early years brought significant personal challenges, including a difficult and unsafe marriage. When my daughters were older, I found the clarity, courage, and opportunity to leave that environment. My priority was always their safety and emotional well-being, and that guided every decision I made.
I also grew up with a sister who had disabilities, and from a young age I learned what it meant to advocate for someone you love. That experience taught me empathy, patience, and how to be a steady voice for those who need support — values that have guided me throughout my career as a teacher, school counselor, and now as a therapist.
These chapters of my life were not easy, but they gave me a profound understanding of resilience and a deep commitment to helping others navigate their own challenges. They shaped the educator, counselor, and advocate I became.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I have had the privilege of supporting clients through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, grief and loss, anger, depression, low self-esteem, boundary-setting, self-regulation, communication difficulties, relationship concerns, and the emotional impact of divorce or separation. My goal is always to help clients deepen their self-awareness and uncover the inner strengths and tools they already possess to overcome social, emotional, and behavioral barriers. I believe that healing begins when people feel empowered to understand themselves and move toward greater peace and fulfillment.
While I use an eclectic approach, I primarily draw from interpersonal, psychodynamic, and humanistic methods when working with older adolescents and adults. Combining these approaches allows me to provide therapy that is both insightful and practical, helping clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and develop tools for meaningful change. With children, tweens, and younger teens, I enjoy incorporating play therapy techniques, giving them a safe and developmentally appropriate way to express and process their emotions. Regardless of age, my focus is on helping clients identify the roots of their struggles and gently guiding them toward resolution and growth.
I have extensive experience providing counseling services to individuals of all races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. My hope is that every person who walks through my door feels seen, supported, and encouraged on their journey toward healing.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would describe myself as a risk-taker, though I tend to approach risks thoughtfully and cautiously — I like to think of myself as a “safe risk-taker.” Those who know me well, including my children and son-in-laws, often joke that I overthink everything; in fact, one of them even gave me a t-shirt that says, “Stop and let me overthink this!”
I believe that taking risks is an important part of growth, both personally and professionally. Most mistakes can be learned from, and in many cases, the rewards of stepping outside your comfort zone outweigh the potential setbacks. One of the major risks I took was starting my own counseling practice after retiring from the school system. It required faith in my experience, my abilities, and my vision — and it has been incredibly rewarding. I see risk-taking as a way to open doors to opportunities that might never have been discovered otherwise, while still approaching those choices thoughtfully and strategically.
Pricing:
- I take self-pay and most insurances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sscs.health/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulshine_counseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulshineCounselingServices
