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Shirley Watson

LCSW, 14 years of experience
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
VirtualAvailable

I offer a respectful, varied, and empathic approach to therapy. My goal is to work with you to identify personal strengths, develop and hone coping and problem solving methods, and create ways to establish and sustain mental and emotional balance. I fervently believe your struggles need not be your identity. I also provide comprehensive clinical supervision to MSW grads looking to prepare for the stringent LCSW exam. I offer a two-prong approach to supervision: preparing for the exam and honing clinical skills transferable to any practice setting. Fee for at least 100 hours of clinical supervision is negotiable. I offer varied appointment times: mornings, evenings, weekends. I try to work around your schedule. I treat clinical depression, mood disorders, workplace issues, repeat and situational stress/anxiety, trauma, and other issues. I provide care using different treatment modalities: CBT, DBT, Trauma Informed, EMDR, Group focused, Couples therapy and others. We are all unique, beautifully imperfect individuals. Let's work together to direct your path and learn from life's myriad of experiences. "We gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. We must do that which we think we cannot." Eleanor Roosevelt <!-- Professional verification provided by Psychology Today --> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/402349" class="sx-verified-seal"></a> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://member.psychologytoday.com/verified-seal.js" data-badge="13" data-id="402349" data-code="aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHN5Y2hvbG9neXRvZGF5LmNvbS9hcGkvdmVyaWZpZWQtc2VhbC9zZWFscy9bQkFER0VdL3Byb2ZpbGUvW1BST0ZJTEVfSURdP2NhbGxiYWNrPXN4Y2FsbGJhY2s="></script> <!-- End Verification -->

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

I encourage therapy to be a collaboration. I cannot make you do what you are unwilling to do. However, I will support any effort you make to take ownership of your care. You will not be walking this journey alone. It may not be easy, but you will be supported. I may challenge a thought or a statement, however it is not because I believe you are "wrong". It is because I want to offer a new and perhaps previously unrealized perspective to your issue. It can be incredibly beneficial to see issues through different lenses. That's how we learn and grow.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Active listening. Active listening. Active listening. Empathy is an empty gesture without active listening. Respect for one's individuality and uniqueness is paramount. No cookie cutter therapy will be utilized. My strengths involve developing, uncovering and rediscovering your own strengths. Let's take this journey together.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I find CBT provides skills to deal with unanticipated stressors as well as daily struggles. It allows the user to practice methods to regulate their emotional, behavioral, and psychological states. I also like to demonstrate these methods in real-time WITH the client. I am not a believer of therapy via "handouts", if you are looking for worksheets, I may not be the clinician for you. Please understand, handouts have utility, but talking with a person, getting to know the uniqueness of your existence, THAT's how I am able to develop a therapeutic relationship and help you along your journey.

Humanistic

Absolutely Humanistic. I believe that your struggles are uniquely yours which means they should not be treated as if "one size fits all". I like to work with you to develop individualized treatment methods. Collaboration is key. Your voice will be heard.

, 51 ratings

5 ratings with written reviews

November 9, 2025

Shirely is an incredible therapist who truly goes above and beyond for her clients. From day one, she made me feel seen, supported, and understood. Her compassion, insight, and dedication have helped me make real progress. She genuinely cares, remembers details, and creates a safe, uplifting space. I always leave sessions feeling lighter, clearer, and more hopeful. Shirely is simply the best.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 24 with Shirley

June 18, 2025

Truly a kind thoughtful provider and empathetic.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 28 with Shirley

May 4, 2025

Shirley is such an amazing person. This is her true calling. She is healing damage and empowering new abilities within me.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 13 with Shirley