Shelly Sanders , LCSW

Shelly Sanders, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker based in Idaho with nine years of clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, communication difficulties, parenting challenges, anger management, oppositional behaviors, ADHD, and autism spectrum presentations in children. Her background in mental health has given her familiarity with both individual and family dynamics and the ways those dynamics affect day-to-day functioning.

Shelly’s approach to counseling is warm, interactive, and client-centered, emphasizing respect, compassion, and a nonjudgmental stance. She draws from a variety of therapeutic tools to meet each person where they are, adapting techniques to fit developmental level, goals, and family context. Her methods include play therapy for younger clients, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and skill building, and bilateral stimulation or EMDR when appropriate for processing traumatic memories.

Working together, Shelly and the client develop treatment plans that are attainable, specific to identified needs, and time-sensitive. She focuses on practical strategies and collaborative goal-setting, offering supportive guidance as clients navigate life transitions, relationship concerns, grief, addiction, or ongoing stress. Shelly aims to create a steady, encouraging environment for growth and change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Shelly uses client-centered therapy to create a collaborative, respectful space where the client's goals and values lead the work. This approach focuses on listening, empathy, and building a strong working relationship so clients feel understood and empowered to make meaningful changes.

She also employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a practical, skills-based method that helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, anger, and many stress-related concerns because it emphasizes clear strategies and measurable progress.

When trauma is a focus, Shelly may integrate EMDR techniques - bilateral stimulation and structured processing - to help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and their emotional impact. EMDR can be used alongside other therapies as part of a tailored plan.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Shelly works with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time as progress is made and priorities change.

Online therapy offers flexibility and easier access to care. Shelly provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules, comfort levels, and communication styles. These options make it possible to continue consistent work without travel, helping clients maintain momentum through transitions and busy lives.