Cultivating the Courage to Heal
Trauma-informed therapy for adults and teens in Phoenix, Arizona
I became a therapist because I learned firsthand during my time as the client how vital the role of the therapist can be in someone’s healing journey. I truly believe that being a therapist is such a sacred role that I am forever humbled to fill.
I believe therapy isn't simply about treating symptoms or checking diagnoses off a list. It's about understanding the person behind those experiences. I believe meaningful therapy begins with genuine connection, collaboration, and trust and truly developing a space that your nervous system trusts its okay to relax a little. Together, we'll explore what's happening beneath the surface, understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop an approach that fits your goals and needs. My goal is to create the kind of space for my clients that is down-to-earth, human, and safe to explore your deepest, darkest hurts. If you are looking for a therapist and office that is overly clinical, I am probably not your girl.
I also offer clinical supervision for emerging and established social workers who want a supportive space to grow their clinical skills, strengthen their confidence, and develop their own authentic therapeutic style. My approach to supervision is collaborative, curious, and grounded in the belief that good clinicians don’t need to have all the answers. I’m here to help you think critically, navigate complex clinical situations, and grow into the kind of therapist you want to be.
Hi, I’m Shelbi
What do I work with?
I work with adults and teenagers (16+) experiencing a range of concerns, including:
Trauma, complex trauma, and dissociation
Anxiety and OCD
Grief and loss
Self esteem, self worth, and negative self beliefs
Big emotions & emotion phobia
Attachment injuries and adaptions
How we may work together
There is no single approach that works for everyone. Your therapy will be individualized to your goals, experiences, and needs.
Depending on what you're working through, I may incorporate:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences that may still feel emotionally or physically “stuck.” EMDR also addresses negative beliefs or cognitions that can develop from difficult experiences, such as “I’m not good enough,” “I’m unsafe,” or “I can’t trust anyone,” helping you develop more balanced and adaptive beliefs.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a body-focused therapy that uses specific points in your visual field to help access and process emotions, memories, and experiences that may feel difficult to put into words. It is based on the idea that where we look can influence how we access and process what we are holding emotionally and physically. Brainspotting can support deeper processing, increased self-awareness, and greater emotional regulation.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is a highly effective therapy for OCD, anxiety, and related concerns that helps you gradually face feared thoughts, situations, or sensations without relying on compulsions or avoidance. Through structured, supported practice, ERP helps retrain the brain to recognize that anxiety and uncertainty can be tolerated without needing to perform rituals or escape. Over time, this can reduce the power of fear and create greater confidence, flexibility, and freedom in daily life.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, helping you notice and work with the physical sensations, emotions, and patterns that arise in response to stress and difficult experiences. Rather than focusing only on thoughts, somatic work helps you develop greater awareness of what your body is communicating and build a stronger sense of safety and regulation. This approach can support deeper healing, emotional processing, and a more connected relationship with yourself.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a therapy approach that helps you build a more flexible relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than trying to eliminate or avoid them. It focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, and identifying what truly matters to you so you can take meaningful action aligned with your values. The goal is to create a fuller, more intentional life even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present.
Attachment-based therapy
Attachment-based therapy explores how early relationships and life experiences can shape the way we connect with others, understand ourselves, and respond to closeness, conflict, and vulnerability. Together, we work to understand relationship patterns and create a greater sense of safety, trust, and security in connection with others. The goal is to build healthier relationships while developing a more secure and compassionate relationship with yourself.
Parts Work
Parts work is an approach that explores the different “parts” of ourselves that develop in response to life experiences, each with its own emotions, beliefs, and protective roles. Rather than judging or trying to eliminate these parts, therapy helps you understand what they are trying to protect and what they need. This can foster greater self-compassion, internal harmony, and a stronger sense of connection with yourself.