About SHIFT Your Journey™ Mental Health Counseling
Grace Addow-Langlais, LMHC-D, LPC, MPA, MSEd., QS
Founder + CEO
Welcome (Akwaaba) to SHIFT Your Journey™
“The patterns we inherit don’t have to be the patterns we keep.”
A Personal Note from Grace
I know what it’s like to search for a therapist you hope will truly understand you—someone who won’t just listen, but will get you. The search can feel long, tiring, and even discouraging. Then comes the thought of being vulnerable—sharing your pain, family secrets, or trauma—and wondering, can this person really help me?
I’ve been there. Many of our therapists have too. That’s why culture and lived experience are at the heart of what we do. You didn’t land here by accident. If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a powerful step toward change.
At SHIFT Your Journey™ Mental Health Counseling, therapy is more than just talking. It is meaningful, evidence-based, and transformational—guided by clinicians who are not only skilled but committed to helping you move from where you are to where you want to be.
When we say evidence-based, we mean therapy rooted in proven methods and trauma-informed care—adapted to your culture, your story, and your goals. Each session offers something practical: new strategies, deeper awareness, or fresh perspective to help you move forward.
I believe healing is not just about us as individuals. When we do the inner work, we create space to show up fully for others and to pass on healthier patterns, tools, and resources to the next generation. We may not shield them from every hardship, but we can equip them with the resilience and support systems to rise sooner, stronger, and healthier.
My Ghanaian roots have taught me the value of culture, resilience, and family—while also giving me the courage to break patterns that no longer serve. SHIFT Your Journey™ holds both truths: honoring what strengthens us while releasing what holds us back.
No matter the past that holds us, the present that overwhelms us, or the fear of the future—together, we can SHIFT the journey.
With care and commitment,
Grace
Why Representation Matters in Therapy
At SHIFT Your Journey™, we know the power of being seen, heard, and understood. For Black clients and communities of color, therapy isn’t just about finding someone with the right clinical training—it’s about finding someone who truly gets you.
Lived Experience Builds Connection
A Black therapist understands that racism, identity, and generational trauma aren’t abstract concepts—they’re real, daily realities. That shared experience makes space for deeper conversations without the need to over-explain.Safety and Trust Come First
Healing happens when you feel safe. Many clients build trust more quickly with a therapist who reflects their culture, identity, and values. It creates a space where you can exhale.Cultural Nuance Matters
In our communities, language, spirituality, family dynamics, and resilience show up in unique ways. A therapist who understands these nuances can meet you where you are—with less translation and more understanding.Representation Inspires Healing
Seeing a Black therapist affirms that wellness, expertise, and leadership exist in our communities. It challenges stigma, reinforces pride, and reminds us that healing belongs to us too.Better Outcomes, Stronger Alliances
Research shows that when therapy is culturally responsive—and especially when clients and therapists share identity—people are more likely to stay engaged, feel supported, and see real results.
Our Approach to Care: The SHIFT Approach™
The SHIFT Approach™ was created to close the gap between simply getting therapy and receiving care that resonates.
Grounded in Evidence. We use therapies that research has shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
Responsive to Culture. We recognize that symptoms don’t look the same in every community. By integrating culture and lived experience, we reduce the risk of misunderstanding or mislabeling.
Language Matters. Healing is strongest when you can speak freely in the language that feels most natural. That’s why we offer sessions in English, French, Ga, Twi, Haitian Creole, Hindi, and Spanish.
Shared Experience. Our diverse team of clinicians brings both professional training and personal understanding—helping clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
Whole-Person Lens. We look beyond symptoms to consider family, work, faith, identity, and community—because healing happens when culture and community is taken into account, not in isolation.
The SHIFT Approach™ doesn’t promise instant transformation. What it offers is a process that is structured, evidence-based, and culturally attuned so therapy has the best chance to truly connect and create lasting impact.