Shirley Semel

Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions

LMFT California

Experience: 8 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Shirley

Shirley Semel is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in California who blends practical, evidence-informed tools with empathic, client-centered support.

Background and approach

She often incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside person-focused and psychodynamic approaches to help clients identify patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and substance-related challenges.

With eight years of experience, she has facilitated groups for anger management, domestic violence, and addiction relapse prevention, and brings that background into individual and family work. Her work emphasizes creating a nonjudgmental space where clients can explore barriers that keep them stuck and rediscover sources of meaning and satisfaction.

Shirley has a particular interest in addiction and co-occurring disorders, family dynamics including blended-family challenges, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and issues connected to grief, intimacy, parenting, and career transitions. She also offers faith-informed counseling for clients who wish to incorporate spiritual perspectives.

Shirley aims to partner with clients to clarify goals and build practical strategies that fit each person’s life and values.

Using Evidence-Informed Approaches in Online Care

Shirley draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change thought and behavior patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress; CBT focuses on practical exercises and skills that can be practiced between sessions. She also uses a Client-Centered approach that emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration so clients feel accepted while exploring personal goals and values. These methods are helpful for a range of concerns including relationship difficulties, addiction-related issues, grief, and life transitions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Shirley treats that as a collaborative exploration. She will work with each person to determine which combination of techniques best matches their needs, goals, and preferences, and may adjust the focus over time as progress and priorities change.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it possible to access regular support from California-based licensed professionals without commuting, and they allow clients to use practical CBT and client-centered strategies in ways that fit into their daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shirley commonly address?

She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, addictions, trauma and grief, eating and sleeping difficulties, parenting challenges, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style and approach?

She integrates Client-Centered Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused techniques to tailor care to each person’s needs.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Shirley has eight years of professional experience, including leading groups for anger management, domestic violence, and addiction relapse prevention.

What are her credentials and where is she licensed?

She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with California license CA LMFT 93363 and practices in California.

Does she offer services in languages other than English?

All services are provided in English; she is not listed as offering other languages and does not accept international clients at this time.

Which session formats are available for online work?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to client preference and availability.

How are costs and payment handled?

Fees vary by location and therapist availability; sessions operate through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with her?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments based on the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression

Also works with

Addictions Trauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Psychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

8+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English