PuttingFamilyFirst

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SB Portrait of Shelby Brandsma
Online therapist

Shelby Brandsma

Practical support for family and parenting challenges

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
5 years
Licensed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Shelby

Shelby Brandsma is a Wisconsin licensed clinical social worker who focuses on family and parenting concerns. She spends time listening first, so parents can say what is hardest right now. Shelby uses straightforward language and practical steps to help reduce stress and manage anxiety related to family life and parenting duties.

She also addresses relationship strain and common parenting dilemmas. When ADHD, attachment, or communication problems come up, Shelby helps clients identify patterns and try small changes that can make daily life easier.

Background and approach

Divorce, separation, and issues around impulsivity are handled with clear planning and problem solving. Shelby draws on five years of clinical experience to shape each plan to the person in front of her. She treats people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while tailoring conversations to specific needs.

That might mean focusing on new routines, improving how family members talk, or setting boundaries that protect wellbeing. Her work includes support for midlife questions, life purpose concerns, social anxiety or phobia, and women's issues when they intersect with family and parenting needs. Shelby aims to empower caregivers so they can make steady changes at home.

She encourages small steps that build confidence and lead to more manageable days. Parents who want clear, practical guidance will find her style direct but warm. Shelby helps break down problems into doable tasks and supports clients as they try new approaches.

Approaches for family and parenting work online

Two evidence-based techniques Shelby commonly uses are problem-solving strategies and communication-skills work. Problem-solving focuses on breaking down stressful situations into clear, step-by-step actions so families can try practical solutions. Communication-skills work teaches simple ways to speak and listen differently so conflicts cause less harm and cooperation grows.

She also draws on behavioral strategies to help with ADHD-related challenges and impulsivity. These strategies emphasize predictable routines, targeted behavior changes, and coaching caregivers in small, repeatable steps that can reduce daily friction and support consistent progress.

Choosing the right approach happens together. Shelby will review the family's goals, current patterns, and preferences before recommending methods. She frames treatment as a collaborative process and adjusts plans as families try techniques and report what does or does not help.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy caregivers. Shelby provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to connect from home, follow up between sessions, and try new practices in real life with guidance from a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Shelby address?
Shelby works with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, parenting challenges, and ADHD. She also addresses attachment issues, communication problems, divorce and separation, impulsivity, life purpose, midlife crises, social anxiety and phobia, and women's issues.
What is her therapeutic approach and style?
She uses evidence-based techniques delivered in plain language and focuses on practical steps. The style is collaborative, respectful, and aimed at helping clients try manageable changes at home.
How many years of clinical experience does she have?
Shelby has five years of professional work experience in clinical social work. That experience informs how she tailors plans for family and parenting concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the LCSW credential, licensed in Wisconsin with licence number WI LCSW 9862-123.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on the client's needs and preferences.
How is payment handled and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific pricing details are provided during the signup process.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling a session according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
5 years
Licensed
Wisconsin
Languages
English

Next step

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