- Warm and nonjudgmental
- Practical problem solving
- Focus on relationships
About Shirley
Shirley Semel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California. She works with people who are facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, addiction, grief, and sleep difficulties. Shirley focuses on building trust so clients can speak openly without judgment. She emphasizes kindness and practical steps toward feeling better.
Shirley uses a mix of approaches to help people get unstuck. She begins by listening closely to what matters most, then helps clients identify patterns that keep them from feeling content. Sessions often include looking at thoughts and behaviors, practical problem-solving, and reflecting on early life experiences that shape current choices. This combination supports issues like addiction, anger, and intimacy struggles.
She has eight years of clinical experience and has led groups for domestic violence, anger management, and addiction relapse prevention. That group work informs how she structures individual sessions and builds coping skills. Shirley also brings experience assisting families who are caring for loved ones with mental illness.
Faith can be part of the process when clients want it included. Shirley notes she offers Christian counseling for individuals and families who find faith helpful in their healing. She aims to help each person discover what brings joy and contentment in day-to-day life.
People who reach out can expect a warm, compassionate space and practical steps toward change. Shirley encourages straightforward conversation about goals and challenges. She partners with clients to move toward the life they want.
How Shirley's Approaches Translate to Online Work
Shirley draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to guide online sessions. Client-centered work focuses on listening closely and building a trusting relationship, which helps people open up about sleep, stress, and relationship concerns. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns, useful for anxiety, insomnia, and mood challenges.Finding the right approach is a team effort. Shirley will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then suggest what to try first. She adjusts methods over time so the work fits the client's needs and daily life, and she reviews progress together during sessions.
The practical benefit of online therapy is fitting care into a busy schedule. Confirm current session options before booking, since formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to keep regular appointments, reduce travel time, and let people check in during a break or after work. Some people prefer shorter check-ins while others choose deeper weekly sessions; Shirley will help select a rhythm that works for each person's routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Shirley often address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, addiction, grief, sleep problems, parenting, self-esteem, career changes, bipolar concerns, and life transitions.
What is Shirley's general therapy style?
Her style is client-centered and collaborative, combining listening with practical steps. She uses techniques from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused methods while also exploring deeper patterns.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has eight years of experience and has led groups for domestic violence, anger management, and addiction relapse prevention, which inform her individual work.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, listed as LMFT, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with Shirley?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Shirley?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.