LCMHC, 10 years of experience
Frequently rebooked
Hey there! I'm Shirley. We all struggle sometimes. You may need to make a change or a difficult decision. You may feel unsure of how to solve a problem. While family and friends may want to help, they often are unequipped to be truly helpful. Talking with someone unbiased and nonjudgmental can be most helpful when you feel lost or face barriers to achieving your hopes and dreams. I am a compassionate and knowledgeable licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Connecticut. I have 10+ years of diverse experience including trauma, substance abuse treatment, and domestic violence counseling and advocacy. I approach each client with an open mind and an open heart. I believe each person is the “expert” on themselves and it is my job to help them find the tools that will work for them. My journey to counseling has been a long and winding road, going back to school at the age of 50 after a successful culinary career. I graduated top of my class with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Bridgeport. In addition to a comprehensive education, I bring a wealth of life experience to the therapy room. I have been through marriage, divorce, parenting challenges, personal loss, and so much more. I love helping my clients find their passion and direction. I am humbled to walk with them as they discover their life path. I look forward to working with you as you begin your own journey.
Therapy is not a "one size fits all" endeavor. During our first session, expect a lot of questions to help me understand who you are, your goals, and the kind of therapy that will be most helpful for you.
Trauma is a major focus for me as both "big T" and "little t" trauma can have a profound effect on your life. This focus has included learning different approaches to healing trauma such as EMDR therapy.
Adults, ages 25 and up; those identifying as women and the LGBTQ+ community. I endorse body positivity, sex positivity, and a secular perspective.
This is the foundation for all treatment types. You are the expert on you and your experiences. I am here to help you find your way to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
4 ratings with written reviews
June 24, 2025
I felt very comfortable from the start. Did not have any issues talking or discussing what i wanted. Felt like she listens as well and is going to be a great fit for me.
May 12, 2025
i’ve been with shirley now for a little over a year, & i couldn’t be more happy with the progress that i’ve made since meeting her. she’s wonderful with problem solving, extremely open and honest, & very open minded. i’m not sure where i would be without her at this point. she’s been absolutely wonderful to me.
April 28, 2025
Shirley is very easy to talk to and really listens to me. I can count on her to challenge my thinking and teach me better ways to cope with anxiety and daily challenges I experience. She is also very warm and empathetic. I never feel judged. I can always be my most authentic self with her. I am so grateful to see her every week!