I am currently a licensed Counselor in Montana specializing in mental health issues along with issues dealing with substance abuse and addictions. I have a private practice where I offer services to adults, adolescents, children, and families. I also work as a clinical director in a Department of Corrections setting providing substance abuse and mental health treatment for individuals with Felony DUI's. My expertise is in working with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and also in helping children deal with trauma. While I work in the corrections setting during the day, I have a private practice, where I work with families, couples, individuals including adults, teens and children. Living in rural Montana, I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients with various mental health concerns. My counseling style is empathetic in nature. I begin by getting to know my client and what will work best for them. The most frequent orientations that I utilize include cognitive-behavioral therapy, person centered, family systems, and mindfulness. I use an eclectic array of techniques that will be determined with the client and then utilized to develop a treatment plan unique to the client's concerns. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and provide EMDR to clients that it is appropriate with through evaluation. Counseling is a process that can be very beneficial to help address various aspects of a person's life. I look forward to building a therapeutic relationship where we can work together to meet your needs. A little bit about me outside of Betterhelp. I enjoy being a grandmother to 3 grandchildren (and 1 on the way) and spending as much time with them as I can. I also am an avid traveler and have goals to visit as many countries as I can in the future. I enjoy planning my travels as much as I do the traveling part, so I am always planning for some future trip. If I can be outside, hiking and enjoying nature, I am, one of the many blessings of living in Montana.

Hi, I'm ShirIey, I am a 63 year old Native American Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 20 years experience in the mental health field. I have worked in community mental health and I have worked in Tribal Behavioral Health. In both of these agencies I have worked as a crisis on-call therapist on rotation as well as seeing clients in office. Currently, I operate from a private practice which I established in 2013. Although I have spent a great deal of time living and working on the reservation, I have lived in many other cultures and I truly appreciate diversity. I have always been a very curious person so Social Work has been a great outlet for me to explore populations, cultures, and behaviors. I obtained a Bachelor Degree in 1998 in Human Services Rehabilitation from Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, MT. I have a Masters in Social Work from Walla Walla University in Missoula, MT in 2004. Once I received my MSW, I practiced for three thousand supervised clinical hours before I was able to sit for my clinical license exam. I have worked with diverse cultures and populations. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) which has proven beneficial in the treatment of PTSD (Post- traumatic Stress) and other adverse/disturbing experiences. What disturbs or traumatizes us is unique to the individual. I prefer to spend time with each new client building a rapport and an alliance of trust and safety. I like to develop a plan of treatment that is tailored to the unique individual and with full collaboration. I am a firm believer in the healing process of telling one's own story and areas an individual would like to examine since they are best at knowing the parts of self they believe need to be examined to help them to progress and grow in their desired direction. I look forward to exploring with you!

I offer a variety of counseling services through my counseling practice. Each is designed to help you live a more fulfilling, engaging and intentional life. Alongside talk therapy, I offer Art Therapy and Equine Assisted Mental Health as an invitation to the many healing benefits of cultivating creativity, horses, nature, movement and touch. In my therapeutic practice, I integrate art therapy and equine assisted psychotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy. The client can tell their story through the process of art making and the horse as a way to explore their own life as a daring journey; to embody new sources of strength, creativity and renewal. Which approach is right for you? Cognitive therapy adds another dimension – the Here and Now – and therefore can spur change in a timely fashion. Cognitive therapy examines how an individual perceives and interprets meaning in his/her daily life. It was originally designed to treat depression, but is now used for a number of mental disorders. It works to solve current problems and change unhelpful thinking and behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy mixed with Art therapy and Equine Assisted therapy works well in this situation; it develops a new, healthy view of past and current life situations. It takes a great deal of humility for any of us to acknowledge that we are in some way stuck or unhappy, whether this is due to a problematic situation, a stagnant or conflictual relationship, or a self-defeating way of approaching things. It takes courage to open one’s self to explore the underlying beliefs and emotions that perpetuate these issues. Therapy can provide fresh insight and objectivity about these beliefs and emotions, allowing you to develop new ways of approaching the situations or patterns that are troubling you. My role as a therapist is to provide psychological perspective, to facilitate a productive inquiry about your concerns, and to help you develop new skills so that you can make vital changes in your life. Through one-on-one meetings, you can come to see yourself, your obstacles and your opportunities more clearly – and make decisions that bring you closer to the person you want to be and the life you want to live.

I earned my bachelor’s in Social work from the University of Montana in 1996. Since that time, in 2003, I earned my Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. I have over 20 years of experience working with patients of all ages. I have clinical experience with outpatient, intensive outpatient and psychological inpatient. I believe in a person-centered counseling approach where my clients can feel a sense of respect and autonomy. I also have experience as a medical social worker that enhances my ability to work with comorbid diseases. l am well versed with cognitive behavioral therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT. I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) for clients suffering from anxiety, panic, PTSD, or trauma. In addition, I utilize motivational interviewing skills, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and I have experience working with addictions. Furthermore, with addictions comes co-occurring disorders and I have had the privilege of working with that population for years. Your goals are what are important to me and will be the foundation of our therapeutic journey. I understand that it can be difficult to ask for help and I recognize the courage that it takes. No matter what struggle you are facing, I hope it is one that we can work on together!

At some point in our life, we all face the unexpected, whether it be the loss of someone important, a job, financial struggles, pain and sickness, or any of the other things life throws our way. It is helpful to have someone to talk to and offer a listening ear and perhaps some different perspective during those times. I hope to provide those things to my clients, as well as utilizing my experience and training to help others through the tough times. 2 Corinthians 1:4 I tend to be client centered, meeting clients where they are and help them reach where they want to go.

I am an LCSW with licenses in Oklahoma and Montana. I have been practicing in different areas of therapy since 2014. Before that, my work has been a series of stepping stones to this field including working with at-risk youth in Juvenile Detention, Residential Behavioral Treatment, Child Welfare Department of DHS. Since completing graduate school with my MSW from the University of Oklahoma, I have worked with individuals, couples, and family counseling with children, adolescents, and adults, intake assessments and recommendations, medical social work, and working with children in partial hospitalization programs for intensive treatment. I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, ODD, ADHD, family and parenting issues. I have worked in so many fields, both before becoming a therapist and after, that I have a lot of unique experiences to draw on to help clients navigate their emotions through different life situations. I am always eager to work with clients using the newest and best evidence-based treatment modalities. I use CBT and solution-focused therapy to help you reach the best possible outcome for you in any situation. I believe strongly in starting where you are in life and working on what you want to work on. I am skilled at helping you discover what you need to lead your best life.

I am licensed in Montana with more than 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, marital issues, relationship discord, depression, mood disorders, psychosis, coping with grief and loss, motivation, parenting, geriatrics, self esteem, confidence and sleep issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you on that journey. I am a Christian but I do not force my beliefs on anyone. I hope you will explore my background with an open mind and heart.

Can you imagine feeling better about yourself? I have worked as a clinical setting as a social worker for 27 years. I’ve helped foster children, homeless Veterans and with a clinic for addiction. I am a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed addiction counselor and a marriage and family therapist. My passion has been to help those struggling to understand themselves. I understand the impact of poverty, trauma, violence and/or addiction. Are you the family member of someone struggling or struggling yourself to find peace. My greatest strength lies in connection and relationship. I believe listening and truly hearing people is important.

I am licensed in Montana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Therapy for anxiety, trauma, and high-functioning overwhelm. On the outside, you’re getting through it. Internally, it feels like a different story. Many of my clients have done therapy before, read the books, and can articulate their experiences well. What they’re looking for now is something deeper: a way to actually feel different, not just think differently. My approach blends evidence-based modalities with practical, body-aware tools to help you move beyond insight and into real change. We focus on how anxiety and past experiences are showing up in your nervous system and daily life—and how to shift them in a way that feels steady and sustainable. This work is collaborative and focused, helping you feel more present, centered, and connected to yourself. If this is the kind of support you’re looking for, it is time to schedule an initial session. I’d be glad to connect.

Struggling with identifying why you have the thought patterns, reoccurring thoughts, interpersonal relations and experiences that you do? Seeking light in the darkness of your mind can be a discouraging and intimidating journey. However, you don't have to travel along this journey alone! I will assist you in exploring the "why" regarding your personal experiences and how your early childhood experiences play a role. Through a holistic approach I focus on what makes you, YOU! I am inquisitive and enjoy knowing the "why", therefore I often find myself using shadow work to help clients better understand hidden parts of their inner person, wounded child, etc. that may be hindering them from achieving their goals and struggling to reach contentment within their lives. If you'd like to venture into the depths of your mind and explore your shadow self and how it affects your light self, I would love to travel along this venture with you and assist in shining light wherever darkness may be!

Hi, I’m Kurt Ruffley, founder of RuffStuff Counseling PLLC. I specialize in providing accessible, trauma-informed therapy for veterans, children, and underserved communities. With a background in both military service and education, I bring a grounded, compassionate approach to counseling that honors resilience and fosters growth. My practice integrates telehealth convenience with occasional in-person sessions in Montana’s Flathead Valley, and remote access to rural Montana ensuring flexibility and connection. At RuffStuff Counseling, I focus on creating a seamless client experience—from secure HIPAA-compliant intake to personalized care planning. I incorporate mindfulness-based approaches to help clients build emotional awareness, reduce stress, and reconnect with their inner strength. Whether you're navigating life transitions, anxiety, grief, or identity development, I’m here to walk alongside you with purpose and authenticity. I’m deeply committed to community outreach, with a focus on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans reintegrating into civilian life, and children and young adults with disabilities and trauma experiences. My work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate, effective mental health care—no matter their circumstances. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and growth, I’d be honored to support you. Feel free to reach out or schedule a session—I look forward to connecting with you.

Welcome to where I believe in a collaborative and empowering approach to healing. As a licensed clinical professional counselor and retired Army veteran, I understand the unique challenges you may face, including trauma. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven method that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. At Straight Forward Therapy, we'll work together to understand your concerns, develop effective coping strategies for stress and anxiety, and improve your overall emotional well-being. I'll provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your challenges, build resilience, and navigate life's transitions. It's okay to not be okay. I'm here to support you on your journey towards healing and a more fulfilling life.

As a licensed therapist in Montana, I bring over two decades of compassionate counseling experience to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding and addressing stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I recognize that healing is a unique journey for each person, and I strive to create a supportive environment that respects individual beliefs and backgrounds. Whether you come from a faith-based perspective or a secular approach, I am committed to meeting you exactly where you are in your personal growth process. My therapeutic practice is designed to help clients of all ages develop meaningful coping strategies, rebuild emotional resilience, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves. I draw from evidence-based techniques to provide personalized support that honors your individual experiences and goals. With a genuine passion for helping people navigate difficult transitions and emotional landscapes, I am dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise. Together, we can explore pathways toward healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being.