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Shirley Ikenze

LCSW

Shirley Ikenze , LCSW

Therapist in California

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About Shirley

Shirley Ikenze is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 26 years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people navigate stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and the many adjustments that come with life and relationship changes. Her work also addresses concerns such as ADHD, parenting and family issues, sleep difficulties, career challenges, anger, self-esteem, and depression, and she offers coaching for clients seeking practical strategies.

Shirley approaches therapy from a strengths-based perspective, believing that each person is the expert of their own story and already possesses resources to overcome difficult moments. She emphasizes collaboration, support, and empowerment, encouraging clients to take courageous steps toward a more fulfilling and happier life while offering guidance along the way.

Shirley integrates faith with sensitivity when it matters to a client, noting a personal belief in the Almighty while not politicizing spirituality and clearly stating she is not a religious extremist. She references 2 Corinthians 1:4: "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." Shirley is licensed in California - CA LCSW 25539 - and brings long experience to work with individuals and families facing complex emotional and practical challenges.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Shirley draws from client-centered therapy, mindfulness therapy, and motivational interviewing to tailor care to each person. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening with empathy and building a collaborative relationship so clients can identify their own goals and strengths; it is often helpful for relationship issues, self-esteem, and transitions. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle attention to thoughts and bodily sensations, which can support stress management, anxiety, and sleep challenges. Motivational interviewing helps people explore ambivalence and strengthen motivation to change, making it useful for coaching around habits, commitment issues, and life adjustments.

Finding the right approach is part of Shirley's process. She works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences, adjusting strategies over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy with Shirley is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or limited mobility. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and access support from a licensed professional without needing to travel to an office.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Shirley Ikenze have?

Shirley Ikenze has 26 years of professional experience.

Is Shirley Ikenze a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is licensed in California - CA LCSW 25539.

In which languages does Shirley Ikenze provide therapy?

Shirley provides therapy in English.

Where is Shirley Ikenze located?

Shirley is located in California.

How can I work with Shirley Ikenze as my therapist?

You can work with Shirley Ikenze through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Shirley Ikenze work with international clients?

Shirley Ikenze does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Shirley Ikenze 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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just 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.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Trauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

26+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English

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