- Client centered
- Mindfulness based
- Action focused
About Shirley
Shirley Ikenze is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 26 years of experience. She centers her practice on the belief that each person knows their own story and strengths. Shirley aims to support people who are ready to take steps toward change and greater wellbeing.
Her work focuses on common life stresses such as anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. She also helps people manage parenting strain, sleep problems, anger, career concerns, and the challenges of major life transitions. Codependency, family of origin issues, and relationship change are among the additional areas she addresses.
Shirley uses a client-centered style that keeps the person's goals at the center of sessions. She combines this with mindfulness practices and brief solution-focused conversations to build clear, actionable steps. Motivational interviewing helps when clients want to find motivation for change, and narrative work supports re-shaping difficult personal stories.
People can expect calm, practical conversations that name problems and try small, realistic changes. Shirley frames therapy as a partnership where the client directs the priorities. Her approach emphasizes compassion and steady encouragement over quick fixes.
Shirley practices in California and conducts sessions in English. She is a California LCSW and brings decades of practical experience to concerns like loss, abuse recovery, caregiving stress, and end-of-life topics.
How Shirley’s Approaches Translate Online
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the client's goals. Online sessions using this approach mean the therapist asks questions, reflects what she hears, and helps clients set priorities for change. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and improve sleep; those skills can be demonstrated and practiced during remote sessions. Motivational interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change by asking about values and next steps rather than giving instructions.Choosing the right approach is usually part of early sessions. Shirley will work together with each person to test what fits their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjust the methods used over time. The process is collaborative and paced to the client's comfort level.
The practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into busy days. Online work can make it simpler to keep appointments when travel or childcare is difficult, or when someone prefers a shorter check-in. Confirm the specific session options available before booking so you know what formats are offered. These arrangements are meant to help therapy fit into everyday life while focusing on clear goals and steady progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Shirley address?
Shirley works with people facing anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, and major life changes. She also helps with parenting stress, sleep difficulties, career concerns, anger, and codependency issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered and collaborative, drawing on mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative techniques, and solution-focused strategies. Sessions aim to clarify goals and try small, practical steps toward change.
What background does Shirley bring to her work?
She has 26 years of professional experience helping people with stress, grief, trauma recovery, and coping with life transitions. That experience shapes a steady, practical approach to therapy.
Where is Shirley based and what credential does she hold?
She practices in California and holds the LCSW credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California.
In which languages can sessions be conducted?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with Shirley?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payments handled?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing details can be confirmed during the sign-up process.
What steps do I take to begin working with Shirley?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.