Shirley Ikenze, LCSW
Collaborative narrative therapy focused on practical change
Details
| Name | Shirley Ikenze |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | California |
| Licensed in | California |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 26 |
About Shirley
Shirley Ikenze is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings 26 years of practice to her work with people facing trauma, grief, anxiety, and major life shifts. She centers clients' stories and personal strengths to help them find practical ways forward. Sessions are warm and direct, with attention to real-life concerns like parenting, sleep problems, and career stress.
She uses Narrative Therapy alongside client-centered listening to help people separate themselves from painful experiences.
Background and approach
This approach helps clients rewrite difficult stories and spot strengths they may have missed. Mindfulness and solution-focused techniques are added when they can shorten distress and build clearer next steps. Shirley supports people dealing with abuse, loss, and chronic stress.
She also addresses issues related to family of origin, blended families, adoption and foster care, and caregiver stress. Work can include managing anger, improving self-esteem, or coping with aging and serious illness. Her style is collaborative and practical.
Conversations aim to identify small, doable changes and to build on what already works. She helps people weigh options and set achievable goals, whether the focus is on relationships, parenting concerns, or career decisions. Sessions are offered in English and conducted online through video, phone, chat, or text messaging.
Shirley practices in California as a LCSW and encourages people to begin by describing what matters most to them.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Trauma and abuse, Grief, Coping with life changes among the things Shirley works with, alongside the areas below.
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- ADHD
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Depression
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Blended family issues
- Cancer
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Divorce and separation
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Multicultural concerns
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-love
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Shirley among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Shirley among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Shirley among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Shirley among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Shirley directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Shirley directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
Narrative and practical approaches for online sessions
Shirley draws on Narrative Therapy to help people tell their stories differently, separating problems from identity so new choices become possible. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy to listen deeply and reflect what matters most, creating space for clients to name their goals and take lead in sessions. Mindfulness Therapy may be added to help people notice thoughts and feelings in the moment and reduce reactivity.Choosing a therapeutic approach is a shared process. Shirley works collaboratively to match methods to a person's goals, strengths, and daily life. Together they try small strategies, check what works, and adjust the plan as needs change.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for richer conversation and visual cues, while phone or chat can fit into a short break or be easier when bandwidth is limited. Text messaging and live chat make it possible to check in between sessions and keep momentum on practical steps. These formats make therapy more flexible for work, caregiving, and other responsibilities.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does Shirley help with?
She works with trauma and abuse, grief, anxiety, stress, depression, and life changes. She also supports people with parenting, sleep, career, and family-related concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style blends Narrative Therapy with client-centered listening and mindfulness. The work focuses on reshaping personal stories and finding clear, practical steps forward.
How much experience does she have?
She has 26 years of professional experience working in social work and mental health settings. That background informs her focus on trauma, grief, and coping strategies.
What credential and location information is on file?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California. The profile notes California licensure as CA LCSW.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered online?
Sessions can be held via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options allow different ways to connect depending on needs.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and is billed through a subscription model. The subscription can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to get started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Shirley are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Shirley where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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