Five One Two Counseling & Coaching: Shaina Singh is an Inclusive Psychotherapist for Singles & Couples in Texas

The Short Version:  Shaina Singh started her private therapy practice to give Austin singles and couples a place where they could talk about their problems and feel heard, accepted, and appreciated. Over time, the professional psychotherapist realized she needed to expand her repertoire to meet the needs of clients who didn’t necessarily need to be analyzed — they needed practical advice about how to build relationships and find happiness. Shaina became a licensed dating and life coach to support singles of all genders and orientations. She now offers in-depth consultations for anyone seeking answers about life, love, and relationships. Whether you’re looking for premarital counseling, couples counseling, sex-positive dating advice, or individual therapy, you can count on Five One Two Counseling to be an ally on your journey.

Several years ago, trained psychotherapist Shaina Singh was talking to a therapist friend of hers when the subject of dating came up. They began comparing notes on their experiences with bad dates and awkward conversations, and they recognized that many of their clients ran into similar difficulties when seeking a long-term partner. What’s more, today’s singles have the added complication of online dating to deal with.

“I’m fascinated by how much dating has changed in the last few years,” Shaina said. “It has changed so much that some people are struggling to keep up.”

Shaina Singh is a trained psychotherapist who also offers her support as a dating coach.

As the two friends reflected on the struggles of being single, they realized there was a need for more therapeutic guidance for those dealing with swiping, ghosting, and other dating challenges. At least, Shaina thought, if singles had someone by their side to talk to, they would feel less alone as they tackled emotional issues.

Shaina came away from her conversation with her friend determined to start offering dating coaching services to singles from all walks of life.

Based in Austin, Texas, Shaina now runs a private practice as a highly skilled psychotherapist and dating coach. Her areas of expertise include couples therapy, individual therapy, breakup recovery, and LGBTQAI+ counseling and support. Shaina is a sex-positive counselor so she can address issues in the bedroom as well as offer guidance for couples in an open relationship.

“I support people from all walks of life,” she said. “I would say my overall approach is compassionate and straightforward.”

Choosing someone as your therapist or your sounding board is a personal  decision, and Shaina doesn’t ask new clients to choose her sight unseen. She offers a free initial consultation during which she talks about her counseling style and asks questions about the person’s background and goals.

Once she’s gotten a feel for who the person is and what their challenges are, Shaina recommends her services as either a dating coach or psychotherapist. She views her therapy work as in-depth explorations of a person’s psyche. She delves into their childhood experiences and attachment style to uncover patterns and offer insights that provoke lasting change. Her therapy sessions may incorporate some coaching, but the focus is primarily internal.

In addition to her individual work, Shaina offers premarital counseling to couples about to tie the knot. She is certified in the Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts program, which has strengthened the bonds of countless couples. Shaina told us her premarital counseling can prepare clients for the challenges they’re about to face as a married couple. Sessions typically last 50 minutes.

Shaina helps her clients with personal issues, including dealing with trauma, overcoming anxiety, and coming out as an LGBTQIA+ person.

Whether she’s helping clients get in the marriage mindset or discover their sexuality, Shaina is a committed and passionate advocate for living your best life.

Shaina noted that many of her clients have questions regarding their sexuality, and she encourages them to explore their desires in healthy ways. She provides a supportive framework where her clients can be open about their thoughts and emotions on a variety of personal subjects.

“People often find me because they’re looking for a person who will accept and support them,” she said. “I’m a  sex-positive, poly, and kink friendly therapist so I often see people rediscovering themselves and exploring their sexuality as well.”

Shaina earned her certification as a life and dating coach from the Life Coaching Institute of America. She makes a point to distinguish her services as a dating coach from her services as a psychotherapist. “Once I take someone on in my coaching practice, I don’t offer them therapy,” she explained. “I don’t cross that line.”

People of all kinds turn to Shaina for dating advice and relationship guidance. She sees a lot of people who are hurting from past breakups and feeling uncertain about how to navigate the modern dating scene. Online dating can seem overwhelming if, for example, someone has been out of the dating scene for the last couple decades. Shaina said her oldest client was around 40 years old, but she welcomes the opportunity to work with seniors in the dating scene and empower them to take advantage of today’s technology.

“My dating coaching practice is open to people of all genders and sexualities.” — Shaina Singh, dating coach and psychotherapist

While Shaina can offer assistance on a range of dating issues, the most common service she provides is online dating assistance. Because it seems as if every single person is online these days. Shaina can help singles set up a dating profile, calm their jitters, and prepare for a first date. She provides useful tips on what to look out for in a potential partner and how to behave when you want to foster intimacy.

If you have questions about dating and relationships, Shaina can offer a safe and nonjudgmental place to discover who you are and what you want.

“My passion and my goal is to support single people and teach them to date well so they get into healthy relationships,” she said. “It’s a privilege to be able to walk by their side and help them get there.”

Shaina works with people of all backgrounds, but her insights on dating and relationships are universal. She understands the underlying attitudes and limiting beliefs that stand in the way of all daters, no matter if they’re gay, straight, bi, questioning, or fluid, and she offers practical remedies through her coaching sessions. As a result, she has helped many individuals find their voice and regain their confidence in the dating scene.

“If you are part of the LGBTQ family and in need of support, look no further,” said Jackie H. in a Yelp review. “Shaina creates an atmosphere of respect and safety. She is helpful in working through relationship needs.”

“Shaina is an amazing counselor. She listens with a very open mind and heart but will also be direct in her advice.” — Joy S.

A client with the initials K.J. said Shaina provided comfort and guidance in the weeks following a rough breakup. ” I came to see Shaina reeling from a heartbreak,” K.J said. “Our work helped me gain confidence, feel empowered, and I was able to start dating again.” Now K.J. writes that he can recognize dating red flags to help her choose a more suitable partner next time.

Some clients leave her one-on-one sessions feeling excited to get back into the dating world so they can use the skills they learned from Shaina.

“Shaina supported me through a heartbreak and gave me hope when I felt there was none,” said E.K. “She has helped me learn more about myself, what I seek in a potential partner, and helped me recognize my past dating patterns.”

From the beginning, Shaina saw her coaching business and therapy practice as a way to support singles in all types of emotionally trying situations. She wanted to provide a safe place where people of all orientations could feel accepted and empowered. Her dedication to reach out to the LGBTQAI+ community sets her apart from others in her profession.

Shaina is a forward-thinking and open-hearted guide with an open door to anyone who needs to talk. She invites conversation without judgment and gives honest advice backed by years of experience and research.

“I love being able to serve people in a private practice as a psychotherapist and dating coach,” she said. “It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”

“Shaina Singh will meet you with respect, compassion, understanding, and skills to help you reach your personal goals,” said Katie C. in a review. “She is a force for goodness with a passion for social justice for all beings.”