Caitlin Shirley

I’ve spent years sitting with people at their lowest—through addiction, crisis, and the kind of pain that can make life feel unmanageable. That work taught me something I bring into every session now: nobody is “too much,” and no story is too messy. These days, I’m more focused on slower, steadier work. Whether you’re worn down by depression, gripping through stress, or finally ready to be honest about drinking or using, I’ll meet you where you are with steadiness, honesty, and compassion. You don’t need the right words yet; we’ll figure it out together.

I’m not the kind of therapist who just nods for 50 minutes. I ask questions, I’m honest and direct when it helps, and I want you to leave feeling like something shifted, not just like you vented (though some days venting is exactly what’s needed). I draw from different approaches but always come back to two ideas: you have an innate capacity to grow, and your past relationships shape how you move through the world now. I also pay attention to the whole you—body, sleep, movement, environment, and relationships—because it all matters. We’ll experiment together and find what actually works for you.

In our first session, we’ll keep a mix of practical and conversational. I’ll take care of the basic details we need, but the heart of our time is you sharing what’s bringing you in, in your own words and at your own pace. There’s no script and no “right” way to tell your story. By the end of that first hour, my hope is that you have a real feel for what it’s like to sit with me, a sense of whether we’re a good fit, and that you leave feeling a little less alone with what you’ve been carrying.