My philosophy on therapy is best described as us working together to rebuild your garden. Perhaps the previous conditions of life have dried out the dirt; the beautiful flowers that once thrived are wilted; there are signs there might not have been enough protection against the environment. To rebuild, I want to prioritize an opportunity for you to revitalize the conditions of your garden and collect new resources for growth. We will plant new seeds that encourage you to explore a new sense of being.
I believe people harbor their own innate resilience, and with support, it is possible for you to emerge from struggles with authenticity and confidence. I invite a space of openness, non-judgement, and empowerment to help facilitate such opportunities. Although therapy takes work and dedication, I believe it also deserves to be a space for laughter, celebration, and joy.
I ground myself clinically in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), while being informed by Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies (DBT). I explore concerns through a lens of trauma, loss, and transition all while integrating existentialism, self-compassion, and narrative approaches.
Sometimes the biggest act of kindness we can offer ourselves is acknowledging when we need extra support and giving ourselves the permission to accept it. I am grateful you are here. I look forward to seeing your garden grow!
Shelbie offers therapy services virtually and at our Downtown Fire Station Clinic to individuals ages 18+.
Areas of Interest:
Cancer
My time working within cancer clinics highlighted the emotional and human need to process. I have been honored to hold space with adults at the time of their diagnosis to their last moments in hospice. I have seen the value of helping renew the self as folks finish their medical treatment and navigate survivorship. And everything in-between. Whether you are personally living with or have lived with cancer, or are a family member, know that you deserve to have space to be heard and feel hard feelings. You do not have to go at it alone. Within a cancer lens, I have a particular interest in helping singles and couples navigate sexual health and fertility.
Grief & Loss (anticipatory and occurred)
I find it a privilege to hold space for one of the most taboo topics: death and dying. In the past, I have been able to provide grief support to individuals, families, couples, and children during their time of great vulnerability. Loss is never easy, and I’m honored when I’m entrusted to join alongside someone. If you are anticipating death, have lost someone, or have lost parts of yourself; I hope we can take out the taboo and help you heal for the possibilities ahead.
Disordered eating / Body image
Our relationship to food, ourselves, and our esteem are so interconnected. From the negative messages of food rules, to the unmanageable expectations of comparison culture- we are left with more judgement than appreciation. By maintaining a recovery-focus environment I hope to create space to rebuild your food and body relationships!
Perinatal Mental Health
First off what does this even mean, by definition this is conception through the first year of a little human’s life; by my definition, it’s this plus so much more. It’s the considerations for internal and external pressures on career vs. family. It’s the dread of the “biological clock” (not cool world). It’s the unknown of fertility. It’s navigating a loss and trying to wrap your mind around the anticipation of your baby being here. It’s processing your identity and understanding yourself as your body and relationships change. It’s wanting to explore and learn about your own family upbringing and attachment styles in order to grow a more aligned framework of values to bring to the next generation. I hope to help you find a way to build and add identities to your story, not feel only the changes that come. Please know these questions are important for both partners or parents, not just mommas or those birthing.
Other areas I treat
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Medical Trauma
- Women’s health
- Life transitions
Shelbie L. Sullivan, MS, MA, NCC, LPC, PMH-C
Licensed Professional Counselor
Valparaiso University