Hey, I'm Shelly! I'm a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) under clinical supervision and a Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) therapist. I believe that when a woman becomes a mother she undergoes something called, "matrescence." Matrescence is the powerful emotional, psychological, relational, and even spiritual transition that takes place when we shift into motherhood. My greatest passion is helping women navigate life transitions. 

My approach to therapy is not about helping you "find yourself again" but rather helping you integrate the various past versions of yourself into the powerful, resilient, complex you that exists now. My therapeutic style is warm and nurturing. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while also incorporating a family systems perspective, recognizing that our family of origin and life experiences often shape the patterns in our brain, and the core beliefs that we carry into relationships and motherhood as a result. I am trained in evidenced-based care for any woman navigating perinatal mental health concerns and the emotional adjustments associated with pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood.

Above all, I just want you to know that if you are a mother feeling depressed, anxious, isolated, empty, guilty or ashamed... you are not alone. You are doing a beautiful job navigating a profoundly challenging human experience. I am looking forward to reminding you of that at every single visit we share. 

I attended undergraduate at Louisiana State University (LSU), then shortly after had my first two boys. After experiencing multiple Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders with each of them, I decided to go back to school at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to obtain my Masters of Social Work. While at UTA I specialized in Children & Family studies. Early in my career I spent time in hospice care, providing end-of-life counseling-  the geriatric population has a forever spot in my heart! I have three boys of my own, and an Irish Setter puppy named Lollypop.