“Shelby has been an amazing mentor to me in my own therapeutic practice. Her candor, warmth, and relatable nature make her my go-to person whenever I’m feeling out of alignment.
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For over 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals and couples in Orange County, CA, helping them heal, restore, and strengthen their relationships—both with others and themselves. At the heart of my practice is a deep belief that seeking help is one of the most profound acts of love, not just for yourself but for those you care about. It is an honor to hold space for my clients, guiding them toward greater self-awareness, emotional well-being, and fulfillment.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a graduate of St. Mary’s College. Throughout my career, I have helped countless individuals and couples develop healthier communication skills, navigate life’s challenges, and deepen their connections. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and deeply rooted in mindfulness, integrating several research-based modalities to meet each client’s unique needs.
My areas of expertise include all aspects of relationships, from communication issues to separation, divorce, and infidelity. I also specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief, panic attacks, chronic stress, and addiction. With compassion and integrity at the core of my work, I strive to empower my clients by helping them build on their strengths and move toward the personal growth they seek.
Beyond traditional therapy, I have extensive experience speaking on the impact of chronic stress and trauma on the body, as well as the benefits of mind-body balance. As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), I have spent over 20 years practicing yoga and embracing its profound benefits. While not formally trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE), I am deeply passionate about this body-centered approach to healing trauma, supporting clients in restoring their natural sense of regulation, relaxation, and resilience.
I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences and a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). Additionally, I founded The OC Shrinks, a thriving professional organization with over 3,000 members, dedicated to bridging gaps in mental health care and fostering collaboration among clinicians, clients, and treatment centers. Learn more about what the OC Shrinks offer and how to become a member here.
Whether we meet virtually through my secure Telehealth platform or over the phone, I am committed to providing you with compassionate, effective therapy. With a strong reputation for excellence and a five-star rating in Orange County, you can trust that you are receiving the highest standard of care. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.
“I highly recommend Shelby to my colleagues, as a fellow therapist and holistic health advocate.”
“Shelby is absolutely amazing. I started seeing her during a period of depression in 2016. She helped me become my best, truest self. Today is my birthday and I was reflecting on my life, and I had to stop what I was doing to write this.
”Shelby, you are one of my angels and I am so grateful for your wisdom, compassion, encouragement and guidance that I so badly needed for that dark time. I just completed by first yoga teacher training and can see now that everything has happened exactly as it should. I am living alone and love it. You were my pillar and I will never forget it; nor be able to fully express my deep respect and gratitude for you! “I just wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU. Thank you for being such a pivotal part of my journey.””
“Shelby is like a magnet for connecting people from all walks of life. The OC Shrinks community has been essential in starting my career and private practice in Newport Beach. ”
“I saw Shelby when my marriage was ending. I was angry and had many dark thoughts going through my head. Shelby was able to reach that place of trust that I needed in order to really open up. I found the sessions very low key but we had some tremendous breakthroughs. I shared thoughts with Shelby that I never revealed to anyone.”
EDUCATION + LICENSure + CERTIFICATION
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist MFC 43726
Member Orange County Chapter of Marriage and Family Therapists
Member Orange County Chapter IAEDP (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals)
National Association of Professional Women
Board of Directors Member of CAST-OC (Couples and Sex Therapists of Orange County)
Clinical Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
MA in Psychology, Saint Mary's College, Moraga 2001
BS in Psychology, Saint Mary’s College, Moraga 1998
EMDR, Level 1 Certified, The Institute for Creative Mindfulness, 2016
Co-Founder Orange County Shrinks, 2011
RYT 500, Advanced Yoga Teacher, Cloud Nine Yoga, 2009
CD, Certified Birth Doula, Full Circle, Berkeley 1996
Shelby often contributes to the community of mental health through her writing and can be found on various platforms. To read an article about mindfulness, please click here. To read an article about self love and resolutions, please click here.
In 2021, Shelby was interviewed by Voyage LA magazine- check it out, here.
In 2022, Shelby was interviewed by Subkit - where she talks about her entrepreneurial journey in healthcare and what she has in store for The OC Shrinks. Read the piece, here.