Shelly Sanders, LCSW
Compassionate LCSW supporting children and adults
- Child and adolescent care
- Trauma and EMDR
- Client-centered approach
About Shelly Sanders
Shelly Sanders is a licensed clinical social worker in Idaho who brings a compassionate, practical approach to therapy. She has worked across mental health settings with children, adolescents, and adults, addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, communication difficulties, parenting concerns, anger management, oppositional defiant behaviors, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum differences.
Shelly centers her work on a warm, interactive, and client-centered style that respects each person s unique needs and goals. She uses a blend of evidence-informed methods, including play therapy for younger clients, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for emotional regulation and thought patterns, and solution-focused strategies and choice theory to set practical, attainable goals. When appropriate, she incorporates bilateral stimulation and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to address trauma-related symptoms.
As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), Shelly focuses on creating treatment plans that are specific, achievable, and time-sensitive. She emphasizes respect, compassion, and understanding throughout the therapeutic process, and works collaboratively with clients to offer support and encouragement as they navigate life s challenges.
Shelly centers her work on a warm, interactive, and client-centered style that respects each person s unique needs and goals. She uses a blend of evidence-informed methods, including play therapy for younger clients, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for emotional regulation and thought patterns, and solution-focused strategies and choice theory to set practical, attainable goals. When appropriate, she incorporates bilateral stimulation and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to address trauma-related symptoms.
As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), Shelly focuses on creating treatment plans that are specific, achievable, and time-sensitive. She emphasizes respect, compassion, and understanding throughout the therapeutic process, and works collaboratively with clients to offer support and encouragement as they navigate life s challenges.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Shelly Sanders have?
Shelly Sanders has 9 years of experience.
Is Shelly Sanders a licensed therapist?
Yes. Shelly Sanders holds the credential LCSW. License details provided: ID LCSW LCSW - 39692.
In which languages does Shelly Sanders provide therapy?
Shelly Sanders provides therapy in English.
Where is Shelly Sanders located?
Shelly Sanders is located in Idaho.
How can I work with Shelly Sanders as my therapist?
You can work with Shelly Sanders through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Shelly Sanders work with international clients?
Shelly Sanders does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Shelly Sanders cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Shelly draws on client-centered therapy to create a collaborative environment where the client s priorities guide each session. This approach focuses on empathy and active listening, helping people explore their concerns and build confidence in decisions that matter to them.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT works well for issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress by offering practical strategies to change thinking and coping habits.
When trauma is a central concern, Shelly may use EMDR, a technique that pairs guided attention with bilateral stimulation to process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity. EMDR can be helpful for people dealing with past traumatic experiences that continue to affect daily functioning.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Shelly collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time as progress is made.
Online therapy provides flexible options like video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit care into busy schedules or when in-person visits are not possible. These formats support continuity of care and allow clients to engage in therapy in ways that feel most accessible and manageable for them.