About Me
Counselor, guide, listener — here to support your right moment for change.
Hi, I’m Jennifer Shoup, the counselor behind Kairoi Counseling in Las Cruces, New Mexico. My work is grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens in small, compassionate moments — those times when something inside you quietly says, “It’s time for things to shift.” The word “Kairoi” comes from the ancient Greek concept of the right moment, and it reflects the heart of what I hope therapy can be for you: a space where clarity, grounding, and possibility meet.
Before becoming a counselor, I spent years working as an Environmental Scientist, a field that taught me how to observe deeply, pay attention to subtle patterns, and appreciate the way environments shape what grows. Those same ideas show up in my therapeutic work today — noticing emotional ecosystems, honoring lived experiences, and helping clients find what they need to thrive.
Education & Training
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in my home state of New Mexico and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I work with clients of all ages and stages of life, drawing from a blend of clinical expertise and lived experience. I hold a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a combination that shaped my appreciation for how environments, relationships, and personal history all influence emotional well-being.
I bring over 65 hours of specialized play therapy training and am currently pursuing certification as a Registered Play Therapist. I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, which allows me to offer comprehensive, trauma-informed care tailored to each client’s unique needs. As a Grief Recovery Method® Specialist, I support clients through experiences of loss with evidence-based, compassionate tools. In addition, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients connect with their core emotions, interrupt unhelpful relational patterns, and cultivate meaningful, lasting change.
My educational and clinical background has also equipped me to respectfully integrate a client’s personal faith story into the counseling process whenever desired, honoring each person’s values and lived experience.
Outside the Office
Outside the office, I love spending time in nature, whether that’s exploring new trails, camping under the stars, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the Southwest. I’m always looking for new places to travel, and I rarely go anywhere without my camera in hand — photography, scrapbooking, and reading are some of my favorite creative outlets. I’m fueled by good food, deep friendships, plenty of laughter, and the constant company of my Yorkie, who keeps life fun and full of joy. Humor, connection, and the outdoors keep me grounded, and they continually inspire the presence and perspective I bring into the therapy room each day.
Who I Support
I work with children, teens, and adults who are navigating challenges such as anxiety and overwhelm, emotional regulation difficulties, life transitions, family or relationship stress, grief and loss, trauma or memories that feel “stuck,” and concerns related to confidence and self-worth. My goal is to help clients reconnect with their resilience, understand their emotions more deeply, and move toward real, sustainable change in their everyday lives.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Quote Source