Shirley Southard, LCMHC
- Client-centered care
- Addiction and mood support
- 20 years experience
About Shirley Southard
She believes everyone benefits from a listener who accepts them without judgment, and she strives to offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore obstacles that interfere with the life they want. Shirley holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and practices as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Substance Abuse Supervisor. She frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational approaches, and psychoeducation to help clients build skills and understanding.
Her clinical experience includes assisting people facing divorce and single-parenting, addiction, grief, women’s issues, and mood disorders. Shirley has a particular passion for working with both individuals and children, and she focuses on helping clients develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and navigate life transitions with greater confidence.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Shirley Southard have?
Shirley Southard has 20 years of experience in the human services and mental health field.
Is Shirley Southard a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCMHC, which indicates she is a licensed mental health counselor. License details: NC LCMHC 11871.
In which languages does Shirley Southard provide therapy?
Shirley provides therapy in English.
Where is Shirley Southard located?
She is located in North Carolina.
How can I work with Shirley Southard as my therapist?
You can work with Shirley Southard through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Shirley Southard work with international clients?
Yes, Shirley Southard works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Shirley Southard cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It is often used for issues like anxiety, depression, and mood-related concerns and focuses on practical skill building and problem solving. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-focused approach that supports people who are ambivalent about change - it helps increase motivation and commitment for changes such as addressing substance use or improving health behaviors. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an accepting, empathic therapeutic relationship where the therapist listens deeply and helps the client explore their own priorities and strengths, which can be especially useful for building hope and self-understanding.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Shirley works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques as therapy progresses so the plan remains practical and client-focused.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage with licensed professionals and therapists. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction, phone sessions provide convenience, and live chat or text-based messaging can fit into busy schedules or offer a different communication style. These options make it easier to maintain consistency in care and access support from diverse locations and life circumstances.