- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Attachment patterns
About Shirley
Shirley Butcher is an LPCC - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota with six years of clinical experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and life purpose concerns. Shirley works with people who are wrestling with strong emotions and relationship wounds and helps them find clearer ways forward.
She uses practical methods in sessions rather than abstract theory. Conversations often start with what feels most urgent, then move to short, concrete steps that reduce overwhelm. Shirley draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and on DBT skills to manage intense feelings.
Shirley also brings attachment-based ideas into the work. That means looking at recurring patterns in relationships and how early experiences influence current reactions. For people affected by past abuse or domestic violence, she incorporates EMDR-informed approaches aimed at calming the body’s responses to traumatic memories.
In session she focuses on clear communication and problem-solving. People learn tools to handle control issues, codependency, and communication problems. She also helps with complex areas like co-morbidity, dissociation, and guilt and shame.
Practical life matters are part of the talk, including body image, parenting strain, family of origin issues, divorce and separation. Shirley uses a mix of client-centered listening and structured skills practice so people can test changes between sessions.
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Shirley uses Attachment-Based Therapy to look at recurring relationship patterns and how early connections shape current reactions. This approach helps people understand why certain interactions trigger strong feelings and how to build different responses.She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors. CBT is often used for worry, depression, and changing day-to-day habits that keep someone stuck.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Shirley talks with each person about their goals and preferences and then recommends methods that fit those needs. That decision is collaborative and can change as the work evolves.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, for example by avoiding travel time or allowing a shorter check-in during a break. They also let people use techniques like CBT worksheets and DBT skills practice from wherever they are, and they can support continuity of care when life feels disruptive.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and life purpose concerns. Additional areas include attachment, codependency, body image, and family of origin issues.
How would she approach someone feeling stuck in life?
She combines client-centered conversation with concrete tools from CBT and DBT to reduce overwhelm and clarify next steps. Sessions emphasize small, testable changes between meetings.
What experience does she bring to this work?
She has six years of experience in behavioral health and alcohol and drug counseling. That background informs her work with trauma and addiction-related concerns.
Is she credentialed and where is she based?
She holds the LPCC credential and practices in Minnesota.
Can I see a therapist with a different language background?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the sign-up process.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.