- 18 years experience
- Focus on coping skills
- Montana based practice
About Shirley
Shirley Cayko is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Montana with 18 years of experience. She helps people who are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life changes. Shirley aims to create a respectful and compassionate space where people can begin to talk about difficult issues.
Shirley uses a mix of approaches to match each person’s needs. She draws on client-centered methods to follow the person's pace and priorities. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and build practical coping skills.
People come to Shirley for many concerns, including grief, anger, relationship struggles, bipolar mood concerns, and self-esteem challenges. She also supports those facing chronic illness, caregiver stress, aging and end-of-life issues, immigration-related stress, and gender dysphoria. Sessions focus on what the person wants to change and on realistic steps to get there.
Her style is direct and warm. Conversations are tailored to the individual rather than fitting everyone into the same model. Shirley helps people sort through feelings, try new behaviors, and track what works between sessions.
Taking the first step can feel hard, and Shirley acknowledges that effort. She works collaboratively to build a plan that fits each person's goals and daily life. If you want to learn more, use the Start Therapy button to begin the matching process.
Shirley uses a mix of approaches to match each person’s needs. She draws on client-centered methods to follow the person's pace and priorities. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and build practical coping skills.
People come to Shirley for many concerns, including grief, anger, relationship struggles, bipolar mood concerns, and self-esteem challenges. She also supports those facing chronic illness, caregiver stress, aging and end-of-life issues, immigration-related stress, and gender dysphoria. Sessions focus on what the person wants to change and on realistic steps to get there.
Her style is direct and warm. Conversations are tailored to the individual rather than fitting everyone into the same model. Shirley helps people sort through feelings, try new behaviors, and track what works between sessions.
Taking the first step can feel hard, and Shirley acknowledges that effort. She works collaboratively to build a plan that fits each person's goals and daily life. If you want to learn more, use the Start Therapy button to begin the matching process.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
18+ years
Credentials
Montana
Languages
English
How Shirley Uses Talk Therapy and Skills Work Online
Shirley commonly uses client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely, following the client's priorities, and shaping conversations around what matters most. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thought patterns and teaches specific skills to change unhelpful thinking and behavior, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Shirley will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That collaboration includes checking what feels useful and adjusting the plan as progress is made.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let people join from different locations within the therapist's service area. Ask about available formats when you start the matching process so sessions match your needs and daily routine.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Shirley address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, relationship concerns, self-esteem, bipolar mood concerns, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is warm and practical. She follows a client's lead while teaching skills to manage thoughts and emotions.
What is Shirley's professional background?
Shirley has 18 years of professional experience working with a range of mental health and life stress concerns.
What credential does Shirley hold and where is she based?
She holds an LCSW credential and is licensed to practice in Montana.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with Shirley?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with Shirley?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.