Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirlonda Shepard.
Hi Shirlonda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Great question! I actually received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and initially began my Master’s program in the same field. Honestly, I don’t even remember exactly why I changed my major — but I do know that my first job was working as a contractor for an alcohol and drug program within the Department of Juvenile Justice. At the time, I didn’t know much about substance abuse, but I was hired and jumped right in.
That opportunity sparked my journey and ignited a passion for helping others, which led me to pursue further training in mental health and therapy. Over time, I gained experience working in a variety of settings, including supporting active duty soldiers and individuals navigating life transitions, trauma, and substance use challenges.
I had always thought about opening my own private practice, but honestly, I was content working for the Department of the Army. However, an opportunity presented itself that made private practice a real possibility. After a lot of prayer, conversations with my husband, and even more prayer, I decided to step out on faith and open True North & Associates LLC in Savannah, GA. My goal was to create a space where clients could feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal and grow.
Today, I not only provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families, but I also supervise and mentor other clinicians — continuing to expand my impact on the community. Every step along the way, my mission has remained the same: helping people find their direction, even when life feels overwhelming.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I will say my faith has made the journey feel a lot less bumpy. Like many people in this field, I faced my share of challenges along the way. Early in my career, I often found myself in roles where I had to learn quickly — sometimes working with populations or presenting issues I had little formal training in at the time. It was a lot of on-the-job learning, and it stretched me in ways I didn’t always expect.
Transitioning from working for someone else to opening my own private practice also came with its own set of struggles — from building a caseload from scratch, navigating insurance panels, to learning how to run the business side of a practice without much formal training. There were definitely moments of uncertainty and fear, but I stayed committed to the bigger vision I had for my work.
Looking back, every challenge made me a more resilient, adaptable, and compassionate clinician — and I’m truly grateful for every part of the journey.
We’ve been impressed with True North & Associates LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
True North & Associates LLC is a private therapy practice based in Savannah, GA, dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and find their true direction. Our name, True North, is rooted in the belief that Jesus is the ultimate guide — our steady, unchanging compass in a world that often feels uncertain.
While our brand is grounded in faith, we welcome and serve all clients, regardless of their spiritual background or beliefs. Our goal is to create a space where every person feels seen, supported, and empowered to heal and grow.
We offer a range of counseling services, including individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, clinical supervision, and addiction counseling. We specialize in helping people work through life transitions, trauma, substance use, anxiety, relationship challenges, and emotional regulation difficulties. Many of the individuals we work with are active duty soldiers, veterans, professionals, and those seeking meaningful and lasting change.
What sets us apart is not just our clinical expertise, but the compassion, authenticity, and hope we bring to the work. We believe therapy is about more than addressing symptoms — it’s about helping people reconnect to their purpose, strengthen their resilience, and move forward with confidence.
I am most proud that True North & Associates stands for hope, healing, and direction, with faith as our foundation. Our brand represents a place where you can find clarity, support, and transformation — no matter where you are on your personal journey.
At True North & Associates, you don’t have to walk through life’s challenges alone. We’re honored to walk alongside you — with professionalism, care, and unwavering support.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I believe the mental health field will continue to experience significant growth and evolution. There is already a greater emphasis on mental wellness becoming as important as physical health, and I expect that trend to continue. I see therapy becoming even more accessible through technology, such as telehealth and virtual platforms, which will allow clients to connect with clinicians from anywhere.
I also anticipate a stronger integration of holistic care — blending mental health, physical health, spirituality, and emotional wellness — rather than viewing them as separate pieces. Clients are seeking services that see the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
Another shift I see is the growing need for culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. As the world becomes more aware of the impact of systemic issues, historical trauma, and diversity, clients are expecting and deserving of therapy spaces that are inclusive, affirming, and sensitive to their lived experiences.
Lastly, I believe clinicians who are able to combine strong clinical skills with authenticity, faith (for those who desire it), and true human connection will continue to stand out. People aren’t just looking for a therapist — they’re looking for someone who can genuinely walk alongside them through life’s hardest seasons.
At True North & Associates, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these shifts — continuing to offer care that is accessible, compassionate, and grounded in hope and healing.
Pricing:
- Individual Counseling $125
- Couple Counseling $150
- Substance Use Evaluation $ 15o
- Insurance is accepted for individual counseling only
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.truenorthassociatesllc.com
- Instagram: @truenorthassociatesllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueNorthAssociatesLLCGA
