Career History

Shelly has been on the faculty at Phillips since 2007, as visiting faculty, adjunct faculty, core faculty, clinical supervisor, and Co-Director of Clinical Training and Placement for the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. Prior to becoming an educator and therapist, Shelly worked for many years in the legal field as a Certified Legal Assistant.

Education

• M.A., Phillips Graduate Institute
• B.A., University of New Mexico

Courses Taught

Shelly has taught Social Constructionism, Postmodernism, Narrative Therapy, Research, and Applied Therapeutic Methodology. She is currently teaching:

• MFC 502 – Family Life Cycle
• MFC 503 – Developmental Psychology
• MFC 524 – Assessment and Treatment in a Developmental Context-Working with Children, Adolescents, and Families and Separation/Divorce
• MFC 533 – Practicum I
• MFC 535 – Practicum II
• MFC 539 – Family Law

Practice/Areas of Focus

Shelly is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Sherman Oaks, California. Shelly works with individuals, children, adolescents, and families. Her approach to therapy is grounded in Post Modern Narrative Theory which emphasizes client strengths in the collaborative creation of a client’s preferred life. Her areas of specialization include divorce and blended families, child and adolescent therapy, parenting, grief and loss, family and life transitions, stress management and anxiety reduction, men and women in midlife, and spirituality.
Shelly is passionate about creating hope and collaborating with clients to effectuate change. Her extensive background in the field of law has been beneficial to clients in navigating the emotional and psychological challenges associated with various legal matters.

Professional Organizations

Shelly is a clinical member of both the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the American Association for Marital and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She has given numerous workshops and presentations including Positive Parenting through Divorce, Women in Midlife and Menopause, Adolescent Peer Pressure and Peer Relationships, and Coping Strategies for Caregivers. Shelly is trained as a Grief Recovery Specialist through the Grief Recovery Institute.