Shirley Cayko, LCSW

Shirley Cayko is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Montana with 18 years of experience. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and mood concerns like bipolar disorder. She also supports those coping with trauma, grief, relationship strain, and major life changes.

Shirley takes a respectful and compassionate approach in sessions. She listens first and then tailors conversations and plans to each person's needs. Her work focuses on practical steps people can try between meetings to feel steadier and more in control.

Clients can expect a calm, straightforward style that blends talking through feelings with skills practice. That includes exercises for changing unhelpful thought patterns, building emotion regulation skills, and using present-moment awareness to reduce distress. Shirley explains things plainly and checks in about progress as therapy moves forward.

She also addresses a broad range of related concerns such as caregiver stress, chronic illness or pain, end-of-life issues, immigration-related stress, and matters linked to gender and sexual identity. Conversations can cover communication problems, guilt and shame, and painful life transitions.

Shirley encourages people who feel unsure about starting therapy. She acknowledges the courage it takes to reach out and works collaboratively to shape goals and next steps. To begin, follow the site's process to match and schedule a first session.

Approaches for online work and finding the right fit

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience. The therapist follows your lead, reflects what she hears, and helps you clarify goals and values. This approach is useful when someone needs a safe space to sort out feelings and choices.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. Sessions include practical exercises to change unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better communication. Those skills are often helpful when intense emotions or relationship conflicts get in the way.

Choosing the best approach is a shared process. Shirley will work collaboratively to identify what feels most useful based on your concerns, goals, and preferences. She checks in and adjusts plans as you move forward so therapy stays aligned with what you need.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, shorten commuting time, and allow for brief check-ins when a full session isn't needed. Licensed professionals can use these formats to offer regular skill practice, talk through stressful moments, and keep momentum between in-person visits when needed.