Shirley Southard , LCMHC

Shirley Southard is a licensed mental health counselor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and grief. She also supports those facing relationship strain, parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, and life transitions. With two decades in human services, she prioritizes listening without judgment and helping clients move toward a more hopeful future.

Her approach is down-to-earth and focused on practical change. Shirley uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. She brings motivational techniques to build momentum for change and uses mindfulness to help people cope in the moment.

Shirley’s background includes work with mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse populations. She has experience with medication management and with active military members and their families. That variety has shaped a flexible style that adapts to different needs.

Sessions aim to be collaborative. Shirley helps people set clear, manageable goals and practices skills together during appointments. She also provides psychoeducation so clients understand why certain strategies may help.

People who choose Shirley often want straightforward conversation, concrete tools, and steady encouragement. Her work emphasizes small, realistic steps toward better daily functioning. She brings 20 years of experience as a North Carolina LCMHC to each session.

How her approaches work in online therapy

Shirley uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change thoughts and behaviors that make problems worse. CBT is practical and often includes specific exercises to try between sessions, which translate well to video or messaging formats.

She also draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change. This approach uses respectful conversation to build motivation and commitment, useful for addressing addictions, lifestyle shifts, or when someone feels stuck.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Shirley will discuss goals, try strategies, and adjust methods based on what feels most helpful. That collaboration helps tailor sessions to the person's needs and preferences rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online formats offer practical benefits. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction and guided skill practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers audio only. Live chat and text-based messaging make brief check-ins and ongoing support possible between full sessions. These options provide flexibility to fit therapy into busy lives and different routines.