Shelly Sanders, LCSW
Compassionate therapist helping people find practical ways forward
Details
| Name | Shelly Sanders |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | Idaho |
| Licensed in | Idaho |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 9 |
About Shelly
Shelly Sanders is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Idaho. She brings nine years of therapy experience and many more years working in mental health settings. Shelly works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and parenting concerns among other issues.
She aims to meet people where they are and to help them take practical steps forward. Shelly's style is warm, interactive, and client-centered. She listens first and helps people tell the story of what brought them in.
Background and approach
From there she and the client shape goals that are clear and attainable. Sessions focus on specific skills, shifts in thinking, and changes in everyday routines. Her approach draws on Narrative therapy, Attachment-Based therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy when those fit the person's needs.
She uses those methods alongside a client-centered stance to help with trauma, anger, and self-esteem issues. EMDR-style bilateral stimulation may be included when appropriate. Shelly has worked with concerns across the lifespan in clinical settings and with community clients.
She notes experience addressing ADHD, autism spectrum questions, disruptive mood and behavior concerns, and caregiver stress. She frames work around practical coping, communication skills, and restoring day-to-day functioning. People who choose Shelly can expect collaborative planning, clear goals, and attention to how therapy fits into daily life.
She offers sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging to match different schedules and needs.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger management among the things Shelly works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Depression
- ADHD
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Attachment issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Divorce and separation
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Intellectual disability
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Attachment-Based Therapy: Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Jungian Therapy: Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Shelly among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Shelly directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Shelly directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How therapy approaches translate to online care
Attachment-Based therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships and helps people notice how early bonds shape current reactions. It can be useful for struggles with trust, closeness, and relationship communication. Narrative Therapy helps people separate themselves from a problem by re-authoring the stories they tell about their lives; it often helps with identity, meaning, and shifting long-held negative narratives. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, behaviors, and feelings interact and teaches concrete strategies to change unhelpful patterns, which can help with anxiety, depression, and sleep or eating issues.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to your concerns and goals, explain options, and try different techniques to see what fits. Together you decide which methods to use and how to adapt them to your needs and preferences.
Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video works well for face-to-face connection and skill practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging can support ongoing reflection, quick check-ins, or people who prefer writing. These options let therapy fit different schedules and life demands while keeping the focus on progress and practical change.
Common questions about this listing
What concerns does Shelly help with?
Shelly supports people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, parenting strain, low self-esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm and client-centered. She listens closely, helps people tell their story, and works with them to set clear, practical goals.
What kinds of experience does she bring?
Shelly has nine years of experience as a therapist and additional years in mental health settings working with a range of presenting problems and developmental concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a licensed clinical social worker with an LCSW credential and practices in Idaho.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Shelly are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Shelly where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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