AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.
Mindful coping skills
Strengths-based support
Practical next steps
About Shirley
Shirley Ikenze is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who uses a mindfulness-centered style to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. She brings 26 years of experience and a calm, respectful presence to conversations about trauma, parenting concerns, career stress, and self-esteem. Shirley encourages clients to build on their strengths and take small, steady steps toward change.
Her approach focuses on listening closely and following each person’s lead. She practices client-centered methods that let people name their priorities and set their own goals. Mindfulness techniques are used to help with difficult emotions, sleeping problems, and getting through intense moments without reacting on impulse.
Motivational interviewing and solution-focused strategies are woven into sessions to help people find workable next steps. Narrative elements are also used to look at personal stories and notice patterns that no longer serve someone. Together these methods aim to create clearer choices and practical changes.
Shirley has worked in California settings across many years with people facing trauma, loss, caregiving strain, adoption and foster-care issues, blended family concerns, and end-of-life matters. She also supports people dealing with ADHD, anger, commitment struggles, and codependency.
She offers therapy in English and follows California professional standards as an LCSW. To begin, a reader is invited to use the site’s Start Therapy process to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on availability.
How mindfulness and client-centered work translate to online therapy
Shirley combines mindfulness practice with a client-centered stance to help people notice their thoughts and feelings without getting swept away. Mindfulness Therapy involves simple attention and breathing practices that can reduce reactivity and help with stress, sleeping issues, and emotional overwhelm. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, validating each person’s view, and following the client’s goals so the work feels relevant and manageable.
She also uses Motivational Interviewing to clarify what a person really wants to change and to support the small steps that lead to progress. These approaches are practical and collaborative, and Shirley will work with each person to decide which methods fit best. Figuring out the right approach is part of the therapy process and is done together based on needs and preferences.
If you are considering online work, confirm the available session formats before booking since formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into daily life by eliminating travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, and offering flexible scheduling around work or caregiving. Talk with Shirley during the matching process about how to structure sessions so they align with your routine and goals.
These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing mindfulness as an approach does not mean a therapist holds a formal mindfulness training or certificate.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of concerns does Shirley help with?
Shirley works with people facing trauma and abuse, grief and loss, stress and anxiety, and depression. She also addresses parenting, family problems, career stress, sleeping issues, and related concerns listed in her profile.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She uses a mindfulness-informed, client-centered approach that emphasizes listening and building on strengths. Sessions include practical steps and focus on what the client wants to change.
How much experience does she have?
She has 26 years of professional experience working in California settings with a wide range of life challenges and clinical concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, practicing in California.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.
Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.
