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!

My counseling style is warm and interactive. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client centered, and existential counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take a first step towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I have a wealth of life experience including working as an actor and earning a SAG card (now on honorary withdrawal), working as an advertising executive on Madison Avenue in New York City, and then finishing an undergrad degree in psychology on the same day that I started my graduate work. I graduated both programs with honors. I began working with adolescent clients as the therapist at Paris Gibson Alternative High School in Great Falls, Montana. I enjoy working with young people and find them responsive to my style of counseling which is non-judgmental and stresses treating all others with respect and dignity. After the alternative high school I worked for almost 5 years as the Clinical Director at Kairos Youth Services also in Great Falls. I have been in private practice for 9 years and most of my current client roster consists of adolescents and young adults.

Your healing begins here. I seek to help adults in individual sessions to integrate new and healthy skills to gain self-empowerment and improve your life. Whether you struggle with mental health issues or change of life issues the goal is to provide a supportive therapeutic environment to empower you to grow and make effective changes in your life. Creating a collaborative, non-judgmental and positive atmosphere is a crucial piece to your healing process and change. I have extensive experience with the following conditions: anger management, anxiety & stress, co-dependency, family discord, grief & loss, life purpose & transition, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders. I employ treatment through integrative counseling by drawing on behavioral therapies, psychodynamic therapy & humanistic therapies to help you learn, grow and heal by guiding you through a directive and solution focused process.

I have worked in several settings (private practice, mental health centers, family-based services, juvenile, and adult corrections, dual diagnosis (alcohol/drugs, clinical syndromes, clinical personality patterns), psychiatric. Several of my mentors were rational-emotive therapists. My personal passions are high-level fitness (weight lifting, running, biking), wildlife advocacy. I have been a horseman/rancher and have horse-related activities./business. I like hiking, especially in Glacier. Yellowstone, the Bob Marshall Wilderness. I am a veteran.

I have worked as a therapist for about 30 years==with a private company, with a Job Corps, and with a mental health center in my community My approach with any client is eclectic and responsive to a client's needs. I have dealt with a range of clients (from teenagers and young adults at the Job Corps), to adults dealing with childhood trauma, relationship issues, abuse, addiction issues, mental health disorders, lifestyle concerns--and have been blessed by some clients telling me I have saved their lives! Acceptance of one's life situation, and understanding the need to change or make different choices and the courage to do so are what I can assist with. Look forward to assisting those who are seeking help.

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.

I am licensed in Montana. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts & life stressors. I have a particular interest in helping teens as well as those with developmental disabilities. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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.

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!

As a licensed therapist in Montana, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions. My practice is deeply rooted in understanding the complex emotional landscapes of stress, trauma, grief, and personal growth. I specialize in helping clients navigate difficult experiences, from social anxiety and relationship challenges to life purpose exploration and healing from past wounds. My approach is compassionate and holistic, focusing on empowering individuals to develop self-love, improve communication, and overcome feelings of isolation. I work with diverse populations, including young adults, veterans, first responders, and individuals experiencing significant life changes. By creating a supportive and non-judgmental space, I help clients build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strength. I am committed to walking alongside you as you work through complex emotions, relationship dynamics, and personal transformations. Together, we can explore your unique journey and develop meaningful strategies for healing and personal growth.

I am licensed in Montana with 19 years of professional work experience:, with 41 years of experience in Behavior Management as well. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

As a licensed therapist in Montana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like depression, addiction, trauma recovery, and life transitions. I have extensive experience working with older adults, first responders, and individuals experiencing midlife transitions. My therapeutic approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey. I understand that healing involves addressing core issues like self-love, isolation, purpose, and unresolved emotional wounds. Whether you're struggling with attachment challenges, substance use, or processing past traumatic experiences, I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where meaningful transformation can occur. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients develop resilience, rebuild self-confidence, and rediscover personal strength. My work is particularly attuned to men's emotional health, aging-related concerns, and the nuanced experiences of first responders and individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries. I believe in meeting each client exactly where they are, offering steady guidance and genuine understanding throughout their healing process.