About Me

Hi! My name is Shelley, and I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) licensed in NC, VA, and DC.  I can also see clients in FL and SC as an approved telehealth provider. Working with moms on their journey to and through motherhood is my specialty! I enjoy supporting clients through the many ups and downs, transitions (and traumas)  that happen along the journey to parenthood, and the development of parental identity.  I have specialized experience in supporting clients through a high-risk pregnancy, birth trauma, termination for medical reasons, NICU experience, bereavement, or postpartum depression/anxiety.

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Offers teletherapy sessions

Experience & Training

I completed my undergraduate degree from Elon University in NC, receiving a B.A. in Psychology, and went on to complete my master’s degree from Loyola University in MD. I spent many years working with children and adults with severe and persistent mental illness through case management, intensive in-home play therapy with children, and residential treatment with adolescents. I also have experience with mental health crisis work including assessments in the emergency department, hospice care, and community mental health support. I have been working as a therapist in private practice for nearly a decade.

During the COVID pandemic, I started the process of adding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to my toolbox. I became a certified EMDR Certified Therapist in 2022 through The Institute for Creative Mindfulness, working under Dr. Mara Tesler Stein with The Touchstone Institute. I have advanced training with EMDR, bereavement support, and all things perinatal mental health. I also have advanced training in complex trauma and dissociation (which is not a scary word!) through The Institute for Creative Mindfulness.

Therapeutic Approach

I am foremost a person-centered therapist, meaning that I meet you with unconditional positive regard and strive to create an atmosphere of safety and care. I primarily utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) to support healing from trauma. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches. My style is based on connection. The therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is of paramount importance and I seek to make this a warm, nurturing, real connection, whether we are discussing trauma or bonding over our favorite coffee. 

Focus Areas and Expertise

I love working within the perinatal framework in many areas on this journey to and through motherhood. Whether it is working with high-risk pregnancy, birth trauma, bereavement, termination for medical reasons, NICU experience, or postpartum depression/anxiety/adjustment, I meet you wherever you are on this journey.  I have extensive training and experience working with trauma in motherhood, which can also mean working on trauma that happened as a child or before motherhood. Sometimes, the trauma we thought we dealt with is unearthed and lit on fire when we become parents. In those tough moments, my specialized training in perinatal-focused EMDR, dissociation, and trauma can help put out that fire and promote healing and growth.

  • Loyola University  2005. MS in Counseling 

    Elon University  2003,  B.A. in Psychology

  • VA LPC (0701012902),

    NC LCMHC (8513),

    SC Approved Telehealth Provider 

    FL  Approved Telehealth Provider 

    DC (pending )

  • Certified in EMDR

    Advanced Training in EMDR & Trauma through The Institute of Creative Mindfulness

    Advanced Training in EMDR and Perinatal Mental Health through the Touchstone Institute