Shirley Souder , LMFT, LCSW

Shirley Souder is a licensed marriage and family therapist and social worker with 43 years of experience. She blends practical problem-solving with faith-informed perspectives when clients want guidance on major life shifts. Shirley focuses on helping people name what they want to change and take steps toward that change. Her background includes a Master of Science in Psychology and earlier degrees in psychology and Christian counseling. She uses ideas from reality-oriented approaches to help people look at daily choices and habits. That practical frame pairs with faith-based discussion when a person wants spiritual input alongside therapy. Shirley helps people work through stress, anxiety, grief, addiction, and relationship concerns. She also addresses parenting strain, career transitions, intimacy questions, and self-esteem problems. Clients may bring issues such as abandonment, attachment struggles, body image, caregiver stress, or coping after trauma or loss. Sessions focus on clear goals, simple strategies, and skills people can try between meetings. Shirley offers emotional forgiveness work and coaching on concrete topics like interviewing for a job or handling difficult people. She frames suggestions in everyday language and checks in on progress as goals shift. Located in Indiana, Shirley sees people who want a mix of practical behavior changes and spiritual reflection. She works in English and accepts international clients for online formats and messaging when that fits the person's needs.

How her approaches fit online therapy

Attachment-Based Therapy helps people understand how past relationships shape present reactions and emotional needs. Online work can use this approach to identify patterns in relationships and practice new responses during sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on linking thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to create small, testable changes. That method works well by setting clear homework and reviewing progress between video or messaging sessions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about their goals and try a few methods to see what fits best. Together they adjust pace, focus, and techniques based on what helps the client make steady changes.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video lets people use body language and face-to-face conversation, while phone calls can be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging support brief check-ins, coaching moments, or ongoing motivation between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules while keeping a consistent plan of action.