Meet Luke Hollingshead of Light of Truth Counseling PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Hollingshead.

Hi Luke, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was a child, I got picked on by my classmates often and my family moved around a lot. It was difficult to settle in anywhere because whenever I would make friends, I’d have to leave them behind. The benefit of this was that it forced me to become adaptable and learn about many kinds of people. I was always a curious individual who liked tackling life’s existential problems head-on.

When I graduated from high school, I originally pursued a film degree. I loved storytelling. As a society, we obsess over movies, books, and shows because they are essentially stories about us. We enjoy the drama of watching characters struggle with life’s difficulties. We admire the ones who maintain their good qualities even when faced with incredible hardship, and if we choose, we can take lessons from those characters and apply them to our real life.

Nonetheless, I was in a rough stretch of my life, and I began consuming self-help books. The realization that I could change my life by learning from other people who have walked through the same problems I’m facing was a game-changer. I read Robert Glover, Mark Manson, C.S. Lewis, on and on, figuring out how the world’s most purposeful and healthy people handle life, and how I could too. As my life transformed, I prayed and decided that I would become a licensed professional counselor. I would seek to help people the way I had been helped, with hopes of leaving positive change in this world that would far outlast me.

I went back to school for my Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree, all the while working temporary jobs with as many different populations as I could: incarcerated young men, aged-out foster youth, formerly homeless individuals, veterans, children on the autism spectrum, etc. If I were to help people, I needed to gain as much perspective as possible on people who are different from myself. Being a therapist is not about having the right answers, it’s about helping people find their own answers that are right for them. The more understanding I could have of the types of lives people lead, the better I can help direct people towards their goals.

Shortly after obtaining my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health, I opened my own private practice: Light of Truth Counseling PLLC. The name is based on a quote by Ida B. Wells, a journalist and early leader of the civil rights movement, which goes, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” I chose this quote because it powerfully resonates with my unique giftings and values as a counselor. Life can be brutal. We’re all doing our best to make it in this world. Sometimes, however, we make it harder than it has to be because we are believing unhelpful half-truths. When a client takes that first courageous step into therapy, they are saying “I’ve had enough of this. I’m ready to face the truth and make the hard changes I need for a better life.” The funny thing is that usually, people already know when they’re avoiding the truth. My job is to walk alongside them as a companion and face it together with them.

My practice is operational in Loveland, CO. I’m accepting virtual and in-person clients. My hope is that this article may inspire the reader to reflect on their life and ask themselves “what do I need right now that I’m not getting?” Not everybody needs a therapist! That being said, if a person is looking for help and doesn’t know where to start, I hope this article helps people get to know me better and recognize that they have a standing offer for a free consultation with me to see if I’d be a good fit as their counselor.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The most difficult part of becoming a therapist has been dealing with my own mental health struggles. I’ve wrestled with depression, anxiety, betrayal, broken relationships, major life transitions, losing loved ones, burnout, and feelings like there isn’t enough of me to handle what life requires of me. I’ve been intentional about trying to practice what I preach. I would advocate any client of mine not just to do a little self-care, but to become a black belt at self-care. The better we care for ourselves, the better we can care for others.

One of my hardest trials was working overnight at a transitional living facility while pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree. As a 24-year-old, I was left alone to watch over a house full of young men with felonies in ten-hour shifts. I chose this job partially because I knew it would force me to become better at conflict resolution, and I was terrified of conflict. There were some nights I came out of that building shaking with fear after a tough confrontation. These guys had admirable tenacity and didn’t tolerate disrespectful behavior from anybody. I came out of that job far better at respectfully setting boundaries and standing up for myself.

Another situation that grew me was working at Thrive AZ: Foster Care Prevention, Reunification, and Aged Out. I got to live on-site at what used to be a boarding school, now turned into a transitional living facility for aged-out foster youth. We brought in young adults from the foster care system and helped prepare them for adulthood with job skills, basic living skills, and acquiring their GED. I lived in the same hallway with 11 of these guys, all of them survivors of a traumatic childhood. I spent almost two years living like that, resolving conflicts and enforcing house rules (like putting your food away after you get it out!). Living life with these young adults and watching them recover from their past was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My name is Luke, and Light of Truth Counseling PLLC is my private-practice professional counseling service located in Loveland, CO. I’m a male Christian counselor. I specialize in working with couples counseling, men’s issues, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate and existential – I believe that, generally, a person is happiest when they are giving their life to something bigger than themselves.

The only thing that sets me apart from another therapist is the fact that you’re getting me. If you feel that I would be a good fit to help you, feel free to reach out and see how our consultation goes! If I don’t sound like the right fit, then I’d encourage you to check out other local therapists in your area or reach out and see if I can recommend one for you.

I’m proud of my brand’s transparency. We live in a world where companies are constantly trying to get our attention, and it can feel highly overwhelming. I blessed to be in a position where I do what I love and I’m not in any desperation. This is who I am. This is what I do. If I can help you, it would be my absolute pleasure to help you. End of story!

I offer a free 30-minute consultation over phone, video, or in-person. You can just visit my website and schedule it by clicking “Request Appointment”. My sessions are currently priced at $125 for a 50-minute session, or $240 for an extended 90-minute session, which I usually recommend for couples.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to stay around my area for the long-haul, allowing my clients to experience stability and support throughout their life. If a client leaves and wishes to return, I plan to have my doors wide open.

Pricing:

• FREE 30-minute consultation
• $125 for a 50-minute session
• $240 for a 90-minute session

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lightoftruth.clientsecure.me/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-hollingshead-254155358/