Shirley Ikenze, LCSW

How Shirley's Approaches Work Online

Shirley often uses client-centered therapy, which means she follows the person’s lead and focuses on what matters most to them. This approach helps people feel heard and decide the pace and direction of their work.

She also uses mindfulness therapy to teach simple practices for noticing thoughts and bodily sensations. These skills can reduce reactivity and help with stress, sleep problems, and anxiety when practiced between sessions.

Motivational interviewing is another tool she draws on to help people find internal reasons to make changes. It is useful when someone feels stuck and wants a clearer sense of what will motivate them to try new steps.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist and client talk together about goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. That collaborative process guides which techniques are used over time.

Online formats offer practical benefits. Video calls support face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or a simpler check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging make shorter check-ins or between-session support easier to fit into a busy day. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to schedule around life commitments.