Shirley Souder , LMFT, LCSW

Shirley Souder brings decades of experience and a faith-informed perspective to her counseling practice. She holds degrees in Christian Counseling with a theology minor from Fort Wayne Bible College, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Industrial Psychology from the University of St. Francis, and a master of arts in Psychology from the same university. Drawing on William Glasser's Reality Therapy, she encourages clients to examine how their current choices shape outcomes, consider what changes are needed, and decide when they want to make those changes. She pairs that practical orientation with Christian Counseling applications, teaching individuals how to study Scripture and apply its principles to everyday challenges.

Shirley works particularly well with teens, individuals, couples seeking marriage counseling, and adults navigating widowhood or life transitions. Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting, anger, career concerns, depression, and coping with life changes. She also offers guidance on practical skills such as job interview preparation, nutrition suggestions, managing difficult people, and emotional forgiveness skills.

Known for blending teaching and therapeutic support, Shirley emphasizes actionable steps and life skills that clients can use right away. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), credentials that reflect training in family systems and clinical social work practice.

Approach-Focused Care Delivered Online

Shirley integrates Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relationships shape current emotional patterns and interpersonal expectations. This approach can be helpful for people working through attachment issues, intimacy-related concerns, and relationship challenges. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and the client's own capacity for growth; this method supports people seeking a compassionate space to process feelings and make personal choices. In addition, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, offers practical tools to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Shirley collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time so therapy stays relevant and effective.

Online therapy with Shirley is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or clients who live far from Indiana. These options make it easier to attend regular sessions, practice skills between meetings, and maintain continuity of care when life changes occur.