- CBT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Shirley
Shirley Southard is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina with 20 years of experience. She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, ADHD, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting, and coping with life changes. Her profile also lists guilt and shame among additional focus areas. She offers services in English and accepts international clients.
Shirley has spent two decades in human services. She has supported people with mental health needs, developmental disabilities, and substance use concerns. Her work has included assisted medication management and contact with active military members and their families. That background informs how she approaches practical problems in daily life.
Her chosen methods include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. In sessions she uses these tools to help people notice patterns, test small changes, and build coping skills that fit their routine. She also brings psychoeducation into conversations so people better understand what they are experiencing.
Shirley describes listening without judgment as central to her way of working. She aims to help people talk through the things holding them back. That includes addressing feelings of guilt and shame and the behaviors that follow.
Practically, she has supported people through divorce, single parenting, addictions, grief, and mood challenges. People who choose to work with her typically begin by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session through the online options button.
Approaches Shirley Uses and how they work online
Shirley draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify thought patterns that feed guilt or anxiety and test small changes in thinking and behavior. CBT tends to focus on practical steps and skill practice that people can apply between sessions.She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) tools, which teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. DBT techniques can be useful for intense emotions, impulsivity, and improving how someone responds in relationships.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shirley will collaborate with each person to decide which methods to try first based on needs, goals, and what they prefer. That means adjusting methods over time if something is not working.
The original biography does not specify which session formats she offers, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example, shorter check-ins during a work break, or sessions without needing to travel. They can also allow use of worksheets, mindfulness exercises, and real-time skill practice between meetings to support progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
North Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, ADHD, relationship and family matters, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting, and coping with life changes. Guilt and shame are listed among her additional focus areas.
How would she approach shame or guilt in sessions?
She uses Client-Centered methods alongside CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try small changes. Sessions include practical tools and psychoeducation.
What is her professional background?
She has about 20 years of experience in human services, including work with mental health, developmental disability, and substance use populations, plus assisted medication management and work with active military members and their families.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) practicing in North Carolina.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are used?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking so you know how sessions will be conducted.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.