- Practical goal setting
- Emotion regulation skills
- Support for grief
About Shirley
Shirley Cayko is a Montana-licensed clinical social worker with 18 years of experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem. Shirley focuses on practical steps and clear conversation to help clients move forward.
She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in sessions. Shirley adapts discussions and plans to each person’s needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. She encourages people to name what matters most and set small, doable goals.
Shirley draws on several established approaches to guide sessions. She uses client-centered methods to follow the client’s priorities and cognitive behavioral tools to identify unhelpful thinking. Dialectical behavior strategies and mindfulness practices are added when emotion regulation and stress management are needed.
Her work covers a wide range of concerns including relationship struggles, grief, anger, bipolar and depressive symptoms, and issues related to identity such as LGBT concerns and gender dysphoria. She also supports people dealing with illness, caregiving strain, aging and end-of-life topics.
Shirley aims to make the therapy process collaborative and straightforward. She meets people where they are, listens without judgement, and helps them build skills they can use between sessions.
Therapeutic approaches and how they fit online
Shirley uses client-centered therapy to follow the client’s lead and focus on what matters most. This approach centers the conversation on the person’s priorities and helps shape goals around their values and needs.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at thought patterns and behaviors that keep problems going. CBT is practical for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes because it gives clear strategies to try between sessions.
Dialectical behavior therapy skills are used when emotional regulation and distress tolerance are key goals. These skills teach techniques for managing strong feelings and improving communication in stressful moments.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shirley collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. She adjusts pace and tools as needs change so the plan stays useful and realistic.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm current session formats before booking since session options are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or remove travel time so clients can focus on the work. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT, client-centered conversation, and DBT skills effectively in remote settings, and Shirley will help tailor the process to your life and schedule.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Shirley address?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem concerns, coping with life changes, relationship issues, grief, anger, bipolar and depression among other concerns.
What is her style of therapy like?
Shirley combines client-centered conversation with practical tools. Sessions often include skill practice, goal setting, and steps you can use between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 18 years of professional experience working with a range of emotional and life challenges.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and is licensed to practice in Montana.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions priced and billed?
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?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.