Welcome to a new adventure! You are taking the next positive step on your journey. That's how it works, you take one healthy step at a time… and eventually you find yourself closer and closer to where you want to be. You begin to connect more with your strengths and gifts and finally you start to feel more at peace. I look forward to starting this journey with you. It is not always an easy journey, but it is one worth taking and you never have to go it alone. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Montana. I received an Associate of Arts degree with distinction at Casper College in Wyoming, a Bachelor of Arts degree with honor at the University of Wyoming in 1995, and a Master of Science degree with honors in Community Counseling at Montana State University/Billings in 2004 . I love empowering my clients using various therapeutic and cognitive behavioral approaches. I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. I have worked in the counseling field for over 20 years. I have worked in an inpatient treatment facility for almost 8 years as well as residential and outpatient centers. I enjoy working with adults, couples, families, youth, and have facilitated crisis mediations as well as individual, group and family therapy. I have addressed issues related to self- esteem, parenting, addiction, tobacco cessation, family dynamics, codependency, anger management, depression, anxiety, and trauma utilizing evidenced-based strategies including effective communication skills, self-compassion, meditation, mindfulness, relationship building skills, forgiveness, and conflict resolution. I have created several original materials to assist in the therapeutic process and to best fit my client’s needs. I utilize a solution focused approach building from a person’s strengths and utilizing a variety of value-based techniques to assist my clients in achieving a healthier and more fulfilled life. I am certified in Problem Solving Treatment and have taught various parenting classes including Love and Logic. I love the outdoors i.e. camping, hiking, taking my dog on an adventure and just soaking it all in. I have two wonderful adult sons and 4 beautiful grandchildren. I enjoy photography and I have started a few new hobbies with metal forging/blacksmithing, jewelry/beading, and painting. I am available for sessions most days (usually not Saturdays) and also upon request as my schedule allows. You can chose your preference for Video Sessions, Live (message) Chats, or Phone Sessions. If you need a session on the same day, let me know and I will put you on the cancellation list or I will try to fit you in a slot. Don't hesitate to ask and I will do my best to accommodate if at all possible at the available time. In the meantime, feel free to message anytime 24/7. Basically, it is what you are most comfortable with and at your own pace. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You are also welcome to try the journal feature, and can keep the entries private for your own use or you can choose to share any entry with me that you feel comfortable sharing and you can change or delete what you want to share at anytime. Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away or for a Crisis Text Line text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis.

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!

As a licensed therapist with extensive experience serving individuals across Montana, I specialize in supporting adults through life's complex transitions and emotional challenges. My professional background includes comprehensive work with veterans, focusing on their unique mental health needs and helping them navigate post-service adjustments. My therapeutic approach centers on addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, direct style that honors each individual's experiences and strengths. Whether you're struggling with self-esteem, parenting challenges, or adapting to significant life changes, I'm committed to providing thoughtful, personalized support. With decades of clinical experience, I understand the nuanced emotional landscapes individuals traverse. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you can explore your concerns, develop resilient coping strategies, and move toward meaningful personal transformation.

Hello, you came here with the first courageous step! And , I am sure you want respect, restoration, reassurance from your therapist. I am humbly grateful to earn that trust if you choose to work with me. My schedule is wide open due to a recent return from overseas. I have been on the Better Help platform over a number of years and enjoy both US and foreign-based clients! Clients have told me they appreciate my candor and narrative style. For me, it is about connecting the dots and clarifying new views that are healing, relevant, practical and timely. My background of 15+ years in counseling has covered the gamut of typical and difficult situations and mental health challenges. I believe that desire and belief are keys to success! Also, I believe in making the process simpler and focused more on today, results, the doable! My toolkit has all the buzzword techniques you've likely heard of, but it is not the theory that makes my approach work - it is tailoring our work to what is helpful to YOU! We are the same, and we are different. I am adaptable and check in as to what is working for you! With the holidays coming, let's be proactive to rebalance where you are! I am honored to be here for you! Let's start right away! I prefer helping you on video sessions. Chat seems more impersonal in my approach. I hope that works for you! Finally, FYI, I graduated at the top of my class with broad exposure to systems theory and dynamics. I use an eclectic approach with realistic tools and insights to fit the newer science proving we are not stuck, and the brain can "rewire" to handle stress signals differently. Very exciting for all of us! Respectfully, Lawrence "Lance" Bischoff, MSC-MFCT LCPC, EMDR Level I.

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!

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.

I have 19 years experience working with all different types of people. I use many different treatment methods, geared towards what works for you. My style is to be honest and real with people. I am not judgmental and believe many people are too hard on themselves. You choose what you are comfortable with. Do you want homework or just to work in therapy? Often treatments are combined such as DBT and CBT. We may work on mindfulness along with journaling as a way to get in touch with feelings. I use DBT on a daily basis so i know it works. Mindfulness is an important factor in treatment. I will ask questions in order to discover what you need. I see issues as a challenge to discovering what works for you. I also believe that you need to do things to make yourself happy. Volunteer, join a book club, it is important to keep yourself active.

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.

I have 4 years of professional work experience helping clients with coping with anxiety, depression, lgbtq+ related issues & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 serving Montana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex challenges. My practice focuses on helping clients develop stronger self-understanding, improve communication skills, and build resilience through personalized, compassionate care. I have extensive experience working with young adults and men addressing issues like stress, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach centers on creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. I draw from evidence-based practices to help individuals manage anxiety, work through life transitions, and develop more authentic, empowered ways of engaging with themselves and others. I am committed to meeting each client where they are, honoring their unique journey, and providing thoughtful, culturally responsive guidance. Whether you're struggling with interpersonal challenges, seeking personal development, or working through significant life changes, I'm dedicated to supporting your path toward healing and growth.