Shirley Southard , LCMHC

Shirley Southard is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) based in North Carolina with two decades of experience in the human services field. She has worked across mental health, developmental disability, and substance use populations, and has experience supporting assisted medication management as well as active military members and their families. Over her career she has helped people navigate a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, ADHD, relationship and family challenges, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting, and coping with life changes.

Shirley creates a warm, nonjudgmental, client-centered environment where people can explore the obstacles that keep them from living the life they want. She draws on evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing along with psychoeducation to help clients build practical skills, change unhelpful patterns, and move toward goals with greater hope and clarity. Her practice also addresses aging and geriatric issues, communication and control problems, domestic violence and substance concerns, feelings of guilt or shame, impulsivity, isolation, panic and post-traumatic stress, and self-harm.

Committed to working with both adults and children, Shirley brings particular passion to helping those facing divorce or single-parenting, addictions, grief, women’s issues, and mood disorders. She emphasizes collaboration and active listening to support meaningful, sustainable change.

Approaches That Guide Online Work and Care

Shirley commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing in her work. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, accepting relationship and supports clients in exploring their values and choices while building self-understanding and confidence. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood concerns and to develop practical coping skills. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-focused method that helps people resolve ambivalence and build motivation to make changes related to addiction, health behavior, or other life goals.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Shirley works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. This collaborative approach helps clients feel more engaged and supported in setting meaningful goals.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity when travel or relocation occurs, and access licensed professionals from different locations. Shirley tailors the format to each client so they can get effective support in the way that works best for them.