CBT Therapist Directory

The therapy listings are provided by BetterHelp and we may earn a commission if you use our link - At no cost to you.

Shirley Southard, LCMHC

Experienced counselor helping clients build hope and change
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Addiction support
  • Family and relationships

About Shirley Southard

Shirley Southard brings two decades of experience in the human services field to her counseling practice in North Carolina. She has worked across mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse settings, including assisting with medication management and supporting active military members and their families. Over the years she has supported people facing divorce, single parenting, addictions, grief, women’s issues, mood disorders, and a variety of life transitions, working with both adults and children.

Shirley holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor - LCMHC - as well as a Licensed Substance Abuse Supervisor. She uses evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing alongside psychoeducation to help clients identify patterns, build coping skills, and make meaningful changes. Her approach emphasizes listening without judgment and creating a warm, accepting space where clients can explore the obstacles that keep them from living the life they want.

Clients who work with Shirley can expect collaborative care focused on practical strategies for stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and grief, ADHD, parenting challenges, and other areas of concern. She aims to help people move forward with hope and clearer direction.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Also Specializes In

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes

Additional Focus Areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Shirley Southard have?

She has 20 years of experience working in the human services and mental health fields.

Is Shirley Southard a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LCMHC credential and is licensed in North Carolina - NC LCMHC 11871.

In which languages does Shirley Southard provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Shirley Southard located?

She is based 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 is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help 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 with Shirley Southard

Shirley often integrates Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathetic listening and unconditional acceptance, helping clients clarify their values and goals while building self-trust - it is helpful for relationship issues, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. CBT targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by teaching practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and mood-related struggles. DBT emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially useful for impulsivity, intense emotions, and relationship conflicts.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process; Shirley collaborates with each person to select and adapt methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She works alongside clients to test strategies, track progress, and adjust the plan as needed so treatment stays focused and relevant.

Online therapy with Shirley is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access care from home, while allowing therapists and licensed professionals to maintain consistent support, skill-building, and follow-up between sessions.

Ready to start therapy with Shirley Southard?

Take the first step toward a better you.