How I work
At the heart of my work is the belief that healing happens through safe connection. My approach is collaborative, emotionally attuned, and grounded in evidence-based models that support real and lasting change. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), approaches that help clients experience and process emotions safely and to completion, fostering healing and deeper connection.
I also integrate principles of mind–body awareness, drawing on my background in meditation and mindfulness. This supports clients in slowing down, tuning in to the body’s wisdom, and allowing emotional and physiological experiences to work together in the process of healing. Whether working with individuals or couples, therapy is centered on presence, safety, and authentic connection — within oneself and in relationships.
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
For individuals, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) brings an attachment-based understanding into personal work.
We help you connect with a kinder, wiser part of yourself to explore how early experiences shaped your emotional world — and how you can build new ways of relating to yourself and others. EFIT supports healing from anxiety, trauma, and relationship pain by focusing on emotional safety, regulation, and authentic expression.
“One of the greatest gifts of our work together is now knowing how to hold this space for myself — to lean in rather than run away, and to feel that it’s safe to stay with big feelings. Safe to stay with myself, in my body.”
— Individual Therapy Client
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
In my work with couples, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners understand and reshape the emotional cycles that cause distance and conflict.
You’ll learn how to share deeper feelings safely, repair trust, and create a relationship that feels more secure and responsive.
“Emotions take us over, and that’s why we are scared of emotion. They are supposed to take us over, and orientate us”
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
AEDP is a trauma-informed, emotion-centered model that helps you experience change, not just talk about it. With both individuals and couples, AEDP principles guide how I help clients access and process core emotions to move from states of distress to connection, confidence, and self-compassion.
Staying present with emotions in real time opens the door to resilience and allows pain to transform into new, healing experiences. Many clients describe AEDP sessions as “feeling something shift”, not just understanding why they feel that way.
“The roots of resilience are to be found in the sense of being understood by and existing in the mind and heart of a loving, attuned and self possessed other”
Mind-Body Integration
Because the mind and body are inseparable, therapy with me often includes mindfulness and somatic awareness.
You’ll learn to recognize how stress and emotion live in your body — and discover tools to release tension, regulate your nervous system, and restore balance.
“You are the sky. Everything else- it’s just the weather.”
What This Means for You
You don’t need to know which approach we’re using — every session is tailored to your needs.
Each of these models shares the same foundation: safety, connection, and emotional transformation.
“Shelby listens deeply, helps you find the root of your hurt, and guides you toward a sense of inner peace. Her work taught me to live less in fear and trauma, and more with confidence, compassion, and gentleness.”
