Shirley Butler, LCSW
Experienced Native American LCSW for trauma and healing
- Trauma informed care
- EMDR trained clinician
- Private practice since 2013
About Shirley Butler
Shirley Butler is a 63-year-old Native American Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings decades of experience to her work with individuals and families. She holds a Master of Social Work, earned in 2004 from Walla Walla University in Missoula, Montana, and a Bachelor degree in Human Services Rehabilitation from Salish Kootenai College in 1998. She completed three thousand supervised clinical hours before sitting for her clinical licensing exam and practices with the credential LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which authorizes clinical practice and therapeutic interventions.
Shirley has worked across community mental health settings and Tribal Behavioral Health, including roles as a crisis on-call therapist and as an in-office clinician. She established a private practice in 2013 and draws on extensive experience living and working on the reservation as well as in multiple cultural settings. That lived and clinical experience informs a deep appreciation for diversity and a curious, exploratory approach to social work.
Trained in EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - she has applied that method in treating post-traumatic stress and other distressing experiences. Shirley emphasizes building rapport and a trusting alliance, and she collaborates with each person to create a tailored treatment plan. She believes in the healing power of telling one’s story and supports individuals in examining the parts of themselves they wish to change or understand as they move toward growth.
Shirley has worked across community mental health settings and Tribal Behavioral Health, including roles as a crisis on-call therapist and as an in-office clinician. She established a private practice in 2013 and draws on extensive experience living and working on the reservation as well as in multiple cultural settings. That lived and clinical experience informs a deep appreciation for diversity and a curious, exploratory approach to social work.
Trained in EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - she has applied that method in treating post-traumatic stress and other distressing experiences. Shirley emphasizes building rapport and a trusting alliance, and she collaborates with each person to create a tailored treatment plan. She believes in the healing power of telling one’s story and supports individuals in examining the parts of themselves they wish to change or understand as they move toward growth.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsForgivenessPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Shirley Butler have?
Shirley Butler has 23 years of experience in the mental health field.
Is Shirley Butler a licensed therapist?
Yes, she holds the credential LCSW. License details: MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-815.
In which languages does Shirley Butler provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Shirley Butler located?
She is located in Montana.
How can I work with Shirley Butler as my therapist?
You can work with Shirley Butler through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Shirley Butler work with international clients?
Yes, Shirley Butler works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Shirley Butler 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 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 with Shirley Butler
Shirley Butler integrates client-centered therapy into her online work, focusing on listening closely and following each person’s priorities so they feel heard and understood. This approach helps when someone wants a supportive space to explore feelings, decisions, and personal growth. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps people identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors - an effective option for managing anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. When attachment themes are relevant, Shirley draws on attachment-based ideas to explore relationship patterns, safety in connections, and how early experiences shape current relational struggles.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Shirley collaborates with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they outline a plan and adjust methods as progress unfolds, keeping the work practical and client driven.
Online therapy with Shirley is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home or while traveling, and choose the communication style that works best for each individual.