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.

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.

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 have been a therapist for 20 years. I have done extensive work with families in conflict and with victims of domestic violence. In addition, I am a military veteran and very well versed in all areas of military life, having been a child in a military family, being a military wife, and being in the military myself. I am also the mother of two veterans. I have had a general private practice of my own and I work in a rural area with both adults and children. I have a very calming and non-judgmental approach with my clients, as I just love people and I want to help.

I believe being in therapy is about having a place of safety and support so that you can express your thoughts and feelings. By using a present focused approach I create a caring environment that will help you make changes in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missoula specializing in psychotherapy with individuals and couples. I have over 20 years experience working with people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, loss/grief, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, and relationship issues. I have a Bachelors degree in Cultural Anthropology. My focus is on using a cognitive behavioral approach to understand patterns of thinking and change self defeating beliefs; and developing mindfulness skills to create greater self-acceptance and satisfaction in your life.

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 been a therapist for almost 10 years. I graduated from Walla Walla University in Missoula Montana in 2013. I specialize in CBT, mindfulness practices, solution-focused therapy and trauma focused CBT. I work with a wide range of mental health issues including mood disorders, interpersonal effectiveness, attachment and relational issues.

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.

As a licensed therapist in Montana, I bring nearly two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating affirming, supportive spaces for clients navigating social anxiety, trauma recovery, and life transitions. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and older adults, offering trauma-informed care that honors each person's unique journey. My approach integrates evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilience, process challenging experiences, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. With expertise in addressing stress, anxiety, addiction, and trauma, I'm committed to walking alongside my clients with empathy, respect, and genuine understanding. My goal is to empower individuals to discover their inner strengths and create positive, sustainable change.

Ben grew up in Montana, where he took full advantage of the fresh air, mountains, and outdoor activities. He loved school and sports, and he played high school basketball, as well as American Legion and college baseball as a starting pitcher. Ben moved to Illinois to pursue his graduate degree at Northern Illinois University. It was during his training at NIU that he first discovered his passion for working with people struggling with OCD and Anxiety-related disorders. He subsequently devoted his career to becoming an expert in the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention as means for helping individuals get their lives back from these debilitating problem areas. Ben also treats co-occurring conditions such as depression, and tics/Tourette's. Ben is a member of the International OCD Foundation, and The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. He has completed advanced training through both the General and Pediatric installments of the IOCDF’s Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, and TLC’s Professional Training Institute. Ben places high value on making sure he is providing the most up-to-date treatments available. He is skilled in adapting his treatment methods to each individual who seeks help from him. Ben's attention to detail, creativity, and sense of humor help ensure that his patients are engaged in treatment and experience the results they are seeking.

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 and Life Coach in Montana, I bring over three decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. I am also certified in EMDR and Hypnotherapy. My approach is compassionate and tailored, with specialized expertise in addressing Addiction, Trauma recovery, stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics I focus on helping clients navigate intricate emotional landscapes, particularly supporting older adults, individuals experiencing midlife transitions, and those dealing with workplace challenges, chronic conditions, and interpersonal difficulties. My therapeutic style emphasizes self-love, effective communication, and healing from past experiences. My practice centers on creating a supportive environment where clients can explore personal growth, overcome isolation, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. I am committed to guiding individuals through complex emotional journeys with empathy, respect, and professional insight. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, processing trauma, managing life transitions, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I offer a thoughtful, collaborative approach to support your unique path toward healing and personal empowerment.