Works with
- Anger
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- ADHD
How Shirley works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- California
- Years in practice
- 26
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Shirley
Shirley Ikenze is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who centers sessions on the person in front of her. She uses straightforward, people-first language and helps clients untangle stress, anxiety, grief, and anger. Shirley brings 26 years of experience to conversations about life changes and persistent worries.
Her work emphasizes listening without judgment and helping clients build on what already works for them. Shirley draws on client-centered methods to make space for each person's story.
Background and approach
She also uses mindfulness to slow down intense feelings and solution-focused techniques to set practical next steps. Shirley regularly supports people coping with trauma and abuse, including grief and loss after major life events. She helps those managing changes in relationships, career transitions, or parenting strain.
Her background includes work with issues like caregiver stress, blended family concerns, and aging and geriatric questions. Sessions often include coaching-style conversations to strengthen daily routines and manage sleep or attention challenges such as ADHD. Narrative approaches are used when reframing personal stories helps reduce shame, guilt, or self-blame.
Clients leave with short, manageable goals to practice between meetings. Shirley practices in California and holds a CA LCSW license. She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules.
Sessions are delivered in English and organized through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What Shirley works with
Everything Shirley lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Shirley's practice.
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- ADHD
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Depression
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Blended family issues
- Cancer
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Divorce and separation
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Multicultural concerns
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-love
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Shirley lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Online approaches that meet you where you are
Shirley uses client-centered therapy to follow each person's pace and priorities, focusing on active listening and collaborating on goals. That approach helps when someone feels overwhelmed or unsure where to start. She also incorporates mindfulness therapy to teach simple attention and breathing practices that calm intense emotion and help with stress, anxiety, sleep, and anger.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Shirley will discuss options and try methods that match a client’s needs and preferences. She treats therapy as a collaborative process and adjusts strategies based on what helps most over time.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make scheduling easier. Video works well for longer sessions and face-to-face conversations. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a short break. Live chat or text messaging can be useful for quick check-ins, practice between sessions, or when typing feels easier than talking. These options aim to make consistent care more accessible and flexible for everyday life.
Questions people ask about Shirley
What concerns does Shirley help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, anger, grief, trauma and coping with life changes. Additional areas include career, parenting, sleep, self-esteem and family origin issues.
What is her therapeutic style?
She works in a client-centered way, using mindfulness and solution-focused techniques. Sessions focus on listening, building on strengths, and setting practical steps to try between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 26 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns including trauma, grief, and long-term stress.
Where is Shirley licensed and located?
She practices in California and holds a CA LCSW license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
Appointments can be held by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and needs.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions are provided via a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Shirley?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.