Shirley Southard

Empathetic therapist guiding practical change

LCMHC North Carolina

Experience: 20 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Anger
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Shirley

Shirley Southard is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with two decades of experience supporting people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, anger, depression, ADHD, relationship and family challenges, trauma and grief.

Background and approach

She draws on years of work across mental health, developmental disability, and substance use settings to help clients identify practical changes that increase hope and daily functioning. Shirley emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental stance that encourages honest exploration of the barriers keeping someone from the life they want.

Her practice integrates evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, and mindfulness-based strategies alongside client-centered principles. Shirley has experience with medication management support and with military-affiliated clients, and her background includes work with addictions, mood disorders, grief, and parenting concerns.

She offers a collaborative space where listening and acceptance are central, partnering with clients to set goals and build skills tailored to each person’s situation.

Integrating evidence-based approaches in online care

Shirley commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing alongside client-centered techniques. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, panic, and many daily stressors. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative method that supports ambivalence and helps people find internal motivation to change behaviors such as substance use or other habits.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shirley works with each client to assess needs, preferences, and goals, then adapts methods over time so the plan reflects what is most helpful for that person. The therapeutic relationship and active input from the client guide decisions about which techniques to emphasize.

Online sessions in this practice are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy life or when in-person care is not practical. These formats support regular skill-building, check-ins, and therapeutic work with flexibility in scheduling and communication style.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shirley commonly address?

Shirley works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, ADHD, relationship and family issues, trauma and grief among others.

What therapeutic style can clients expect in sessions?

Her style is warm and nonjudgmental with a collaborative focus, combining client-centered listening with structured methods to set goals and build coping skills.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She brings 20 years of experience in human services, including work with mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse populations.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

She is an LCMHC licensed in North Carolina with license number NC LCMHC 11871 and practices from North Carolina.

Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?

Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients as part of her practice.

Which session formats does she provide?

Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.

How are costs and subscriptions handled?

Pricing varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsAnger managementDepression ADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessJealousyVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPanic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stress Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

North Carolina

Languages

English