Shelly Sanders, LCSW - Therapist in Idaho

About Shelly

Shelly Sanders is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Idaho. She has nine years of experience as a therapist and has worked in mental health settings for a longer period. Shelly focuses on practical concerns parents often bring up - stress, anxiety, depression, sleep and eating problems, attention difficulties, grief, and everyday parenting challenges.

She writes clear plans and talks plainly about next steps during sessions. Her style is warm and interactive.

Background and approach

Shelly uses client-centered techniques that start with the person in front of her and build goals from their priorities. She also draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early relationships shape behavior and feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - is part of her toolkit for changing unhelpful thoughts and habits.

Shelly also offers EMDR when trauma and painful memories are central. She brings Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT - skills when people need tools for strong emotions and better coping. These methods are chosen to match what each person needs at the time.

Sessions can include talking, skills practice, and specific exercises to try between visits. The plan is practical and time-focused so families can see whether an approach is helping. She respects each person’s pace and adjusts as needed.

Shelly works with a broad range of concerns related to relationships and family life. Her goal is to provide steady support while helping clients build skills they can use at home and in daily life.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape how people connect and cope now. Online sessions use conversation and exercises to identify patterns and build different ways of relating that feel safer and more stable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - focuses on practical ways to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. In remote sessions this often means talking through current problems, trying small experiments between meetings, and practicing new skills together.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they choose methods and adjust them as progress is made so the plan stays useful and realistic.

Online therapy offers flexibility with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions around school, work, and family routines. They also let people revisit session notes and use text-based check-ins for brief support between meetings.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shelly address?

Shelly works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting, self-esteem, career stress, and compassion fatigue, among other concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

The approach is warm and interactive and focuses on the client first. Sessions emphasize practical steps, goal setting, and skills you can use between meetings.

What background does she bring to therapy?

She is a licensed clinical social worker with nine years of therapy experience and additional years working in mental health settings with children, adolescents, and adults.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She holds an LCSW license in Idaho; her credential is listed as LCSW - 39692.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Therapy can be delivered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are sessions paid for?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Addictions
ADHD
Aging and geriatric issues
Attachment issues
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Blended family issues
Career difficulties
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Communication problems
Compassion fatigue
Control issues
Coping with life changes
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Depression
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Divorce and separation
Eating disorders
Family conflicts
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Forgiveness
Grief
Guilt and shame
Impulsivity
Intellectual disability
Intimacy-related issues
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Mood disorders
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Parenting issues
Post-traumatic stress
Postpartum depression
Relationship issues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self esteem
Self-love
Sleeping disorders
Social anxiety and phobia
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 9 years
Licensed: Idaho
Languages: English

Next step

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