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SC Portrait of Shirley Cayko

Shirley Cayko

Compassionate, practical therapy for life challenges

LCSW Montana

Experience
18 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Shirley

About Shirley

Shirley Cayko is a licensed clinical social worker with 18 years of professional experience practicing in Montana. She focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, mood concerns such as depression and bipolar disorder, and issues of self-esteem and motivation.

Background and approach

Her practice also attends to relationship struggles, grief, anger, and life transitions, as well as a range of additional concerns including caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, and end-of-life and hospice counseling. Shirley uses a respectful, sensitive, and compassionate approach, shaping conversations and treatment plans around each person's specific circumstances and goals.

Her training includes evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, client-centered approaches, dialectical skills work, existential reflection, and mindfulness practices. She encourages clients to view the first step toward therapy as a meaningful act of courage and works collaboratively to establish goals and a practical path forward.

Sessions are offered through a variety of online formats to accommodate different needs and schedules. Shirley provides care in English and holds licensure in Montana as an LCSW (MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-803).

Approaches for online healing and practical change



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and teaches practical skills to shift behaviors and emotions, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathetic, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens closely and supports the client in finding their own solutions and strengths. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete emotion regulation and interpersonal skills that can reduce intense reactions and improve communication in difficult situations.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself, and Shirley approaches that selection collaboratively. She will discuss goals, preferences, and specific concerns with each person and adapt methods over time so the plan fits the client's needs and pace.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain regular contact and to integrate therapy into daily life, while allowing licensed professionals to provide consistent care without requiring travel.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shirley commonly address?
Her practice covers stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression and bipolar disorder, self-esteem and motivation, grief, anger, relationship issues, and coping with life changes among other areas.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She blends client-centered listening with evidence-informed techniques such as cognitive behavioral methods, dialectical skills, existential exploration, and mindfulness to tailor care to each person's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 18 years of professional experience practicing social work and therapeutic care.
Where is she licensed and what credential does she hold?
She is licensed in Montana and holds the LCSW credential listed as MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-803.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered with Shirley?
She provides therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and services are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

Montana

Languages

English