- CBT methods
- DBT skills
- Client-Centered care
About Shirley
Shirley Cayko is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Montana with 18 years of professional experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar issues, relationship concerns, grief, and challenges with self-esteem. Shirley also lists support for LGBT concerns, coping with life changes, anger, and guilt and shame among her focus areas.
She uses straightforward conversation and practical tools in sessions. Shirley draws on Client-Centered methods to follow each person's priorities and build a trusting working relationship. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to look at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
Sessions emphasize clear goals and steps people can try between meetings. Shirley talks through current struggles, identifies patterns, and works with clients to practice different ways of coping. She names small adjustments that can reduce overwhelming feelings and improve day-to-day functioning.
Her background includes long-term clinical work helping people adjust to life transitions, chronic illness, caregiving strain, and loss. Shirley has experience addressing issues such as dissociation, communication problems, infidelity, and end-of-life concerns.
Conversations are offered in English and shaped around what each person brings. Prospective clients select an online therapy option, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin the process.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and following the client's priorities. It helps when someone needs a respectful, nonjudgmental place to talk through what matters most and decide next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going and teaches practical experiments to change those patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides tools for managing intense emotions and improving coping skills when distress feels overwhelming.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shirley will collaborate with each person to figure out which methods fit their goals and preferences, and she will adjust the focus as needs change. That collaboration helps keep sessions practical and relevant to real-life problems.
Confirm current session options before scheduling, since specific online formats are not detailed here. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Many people find remote sessions allow steady progress while keeping therapy manageable alongside daily responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
Montana
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression and bipolar issues, relationship and grief concerns, self-esteem, and guilt and shame among other areas.
How would she approach feelings of shame or guilt?
She uses conversational, practical approaches including CBT and DBT skills to look at thoughts, behaviors, and ways to manage intense emotions related to shame or guilt.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Shirley has 18 years of professional work experience in clinical settings and ongoing practice with a range of concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Montana Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and practices in Montana.
In what language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Do you need to know the session formats before booking?
Please confirm the current session options before booking, as the available formats are not specified here.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and services; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.