Self Esteem, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Grief
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Shelby
Shelby Bourne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Arkansas who has over 14 years of experience providing clinical assessments and therapeutic care to individuals from a variety of settings, ethnicities, and age groups. She has significant experience working with teenagers and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and immigration issues in a school-based and outpatient setting. Shelby is also a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community and has significant experience working with teenagers and young adults who identify as part of this community.
She received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR, and her Master's degree in Social Work from Washington University in St.Louis, MO. Shelby has worked in a variety of settings including hospice care, nursing homes, alternative schools, high schools, clubhouses, and hospitals. Shelby has the most experience providing individual and family therapy in order to help families identify the barriers causing issues between them and to improve communication skills to address these barriers. Shelby also has experience working in a clubhouse model which focuses on working with adults with serious mental illness. Shelby takes a multi-faceted approach to therapy using a variety of treatment modalities including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT), mindfulness-based methods, and solutions-focused therapy (SFT).
Shelby believes that therapy is beneficial to all people at some point in their lives given that ultimately we all face challenges at one time or another. She is hopeful that she will be able to support you on your path to open your mind to new perspectives and skills that allow you to cope with whatever your issues may be. Shelby believes that therapy is the most successful when the therapist meets the client where they are at. Whether you're excited to begin the therapeutic process or you're still nervous to begin, she is excited to meet and start working with you.
"As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I have successfully worked with people of all age groups and ethnicities, using a multi-faceted approach for therapy to support each individual's unique needs."
Get to know Shelby
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I decided to become a clinical social worker because social work is built on a vast array of foundations including but not limited to philosophy, psychology, and counseling. Being a clinical social worker allows me to approach each person's situation through a vast array of lenses. I'm able to utilize out of the box problem solving to help each individual with their unique needs.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I fully believe in meeting each client where they're at, and consider myself flexible. I feel I am most helpful in working with individuals who are willing to give the therapeutic process a try.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am most excited about working with clients who are looking for creative solutions to their struggles and willing to think outside the box.
What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?
At some point in each of our lives, we are going to go through something that could be better managed and solved if we weren't going through it alone. Needing help is not a personal failure or a lack of independence, but rather a reality of life that we all face.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I am excited to work at Thriveworks because it will allow me to meet and work with a wide array of clients in a flexible setting.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
In the first session with me, clients can expect an open - minded, non-judgmental environment with someone who is genuinely interested in getting to know them.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
I don't like to approach a first session with a checklist. Let's work out what you want to accomplish together.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
I want my clients to know that their experiences and struggles will always be valid.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I love to go hiking in beautiful NWA with my pups and my partner. My other great love is reading and listening to audiobooks in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
What’s one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I have a deep love and passion for animal welfare.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 14 years
- Graduating institute
- Washington University
- Graduating degree
- Master's Degree in Social Work
Additional details
Practice information
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