Shelby has always had a passion for working with children and adolescents, and helping them grow as people and feel safe in their world. Shelby knows that by meeting children where they are, giving them a voice, validating who they are, and being able to speak the language of play, she can give them an opportunity to build the tools they need to overcome obstacles and meet their goals. Through the process of therapy, Shelby aids her clients in understanding and processing their experiences, validating their emotions, utilizing their strengths, and building their skills to ride the waves of life.
Shelby has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNL, and received her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver in 2021. She is currently a provisionally licensed mental health practitioner in Nebraska. Shelby worked in childcare and early childhood education for four years while receiving her Bachelor’s degree in psychology. During graduate school, Shelby completed her internships at an inpatient crisis stabilization hospital for children and teens, as well as an outpatient dual diagnosis treatment center. It was during her time at the inpatient hospital that Shelby realized she had a passion for working with children and teens who have experienced trauma or have mood and behavior issues. Since then, she has fostered this passion through work in outpatient settings both in private practice and in non-profit working with a collaborative treatment team.
Shelby is also currently involved in a certification program for Play Therapy which includes trainings and supervision. She believes strongly in the power of play for children to process their feelings and experiences. Shelby utilizes techniques from child-centered play therapy, cognitive- behavioral play therapy, and sand tray therapy.
Shelby has completed training in:
PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy)
Play Therapy (ongoing) including child-centered play therapy, sand tray, and attachmentin play therapy