- 44 years experience
- Focus on recovery
- English sessions
About Shirley
Shirley Marks is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 44 years of experience. She focuses on addiction, relationship struggles, self-esteem, stress and anxiety, and other concerns that can make daily life harder. Shirley creates a calm, nonjudgmental space so people can talk about what matters most to them.
She supports people working through family conflict, grief, trauma, and issues related to intimacy and trust. Shirley also addresses mood concerns such as depression and bipolar symptoms, and she helps people cope with life changes and career stress. She pays attention to how cultural background and experiences of prejudice shape problems and recovery.
Her work includes attention to codependency and process addictions like gambling or pornography when those patterns affect relationships and daily functioning. She also helps with substance use and domestic violence matters by focusing on safety, communication, and practical next steps. Sessions are aimed at building self-awareness, better boundaries, and stronger coping skills.
Shirley draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide conversations and homework between sessions. She encourages steady progress and practical tools people can use right away. Her approach is collaborative, respectful, and paced to each person’s needs.
Shirley practices in Tennessee and conducts sessions in English. If you decide to start, she asks that you complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to her availability.
Therapeutic approaches and what online work can look like
Shirley uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide work on relationships, addiction, and self-worth. One common approach focuses on identifying unhelpful patterns in relationships and improving communication and boundaries; this helps people reduce codependent habits and rebuild trust. Another approach emphasizes practical coping skills for stress, anxiety, and mood symptoms, teaching breathing, activity planning, and step-by-step behavioral strategies that make daily life more manageable.Finding the right approach is part of the process. Shirley collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort level. Over time she adjusts the work based on what is and isn’t helping, and she invites people to set the pace and priorities.
If you are considering online therapy, please confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people keep continuity of care through life changes. Discuss formats and practical arrangements with Shirley when you complete the matching questionnaire so sessions fit your daily routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
44+ years
Credentials
Tennessee
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Shirley address?
She helps with addictions, relationship problems, family conflict, self-esteem, grief, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar concerns, and intimacy-related issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Shirley creates an open, nonjudgmental space and uses evidence-based techniques. She focuses on practical skills and building healthier relationships over time.
What kind of background does she have?
She brings 44 years of professional experience to her work, helping people navigate addictions, motivation, and family and relationship concerns.
What credentials does she hold and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Tennessee LMFT, and practices in Tennessee.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's 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.