Explore new heights.
Therapy — Consulting — Speaking
Welcome to Altura Counseling and Coaching, PLLC!
My name is Jess Shade (she/her). I am a licensed mental health therapist, organizational consultant, and public speaker based in Salt Lake City, UT.
My path, like those of most people, has not been wholly linear.
About me
Over fifteen years ago, I began my professional career studying the ancient Near East, archaeology, and religion. While working on my first Master’s degree, however, I had a chance to serve in an intentional community of adults living with severe and chronic mental illnesses in inner city Atlanta. After this first round in graduate school, I left the South to work as a wilderness therapy guide in Utah. I lived on “trail” with my clients for 24 hours a day for a week at a time. I witnessed tremendous growth and accomplishment from the clients with whom I worked and lived. The experience of guiding further cemented my conviction that we are embodied and social beings. Following four years working in wilderness therapy as a Guide, Staff Trainer, and Director of Operations, I returned to my non-profit roots in community mental health as a case manager. It was during this period of time that I decided to return to school and pursue my second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to become a therapist. I have had the honor of practicing therapy in an outpatient setting ever since.
In addition to my role as a therapist, I am an organizational consultant and public speaker. I present at conferences, climbing gyms, and companies throughout the West to spread the messages about creating meaning, following passions, integrating identities, coping with loss, and fostering resilience.
When I am not in the office, I practice self-care through high-altitude ski mountaineering, climbing, and robust belly laughter with my family and friends.
Please feel free to reach out with questions! Even if I am not the best resource, I am happy to help point you in the right direction. To schedule an initial appointment, please text, call, or email.