Hi I'm Shirley! I'm a forward-thinking psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience helping clients navigate the challenges of life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationships, loss, divorce, ADHD, and parenting. My approach is rooted in helping clients gain a deeper awareness, learn new coping skills, and improve self-efficacy using a collaborative approach.
Treatment is intended to help you bridge the gap between how things are and how you want to shape them to be. I use a person-centered and solution-focused approach and I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to inform our work. That means that we start with the needs that are most pressing for you and work collaboratively to help you learn new patterns of thinking and interacting, improve coping skills, heal, and grow. I strive to provide a safe space for you to share about yourself without fear of judgment. Our consultation session will help me get a sense of what brought you to therapy as well as get some background information about you. You can complete intake forms online prior to our first session so that we use our time together with purpose and intention. I sometimes suggest homework and/or reading material in between sessions; this is always optional and aimed at enhancing our discussion and learning.
Difficult and sometimes painful times are unavoidable parts of life. It is courageous to allow yourself to be vulnerable and seek help. There are some misconceptions about what therapy is and who uses therapy. Therapy is an investment you make in yourself, your wellbeing, and your future. Over the years, I have had the privilege of being entrusted as a partner in helping many people gain insight, learn new coping skills, and make shifts in maladaptive patterns. I hope to do the same in our work together.
