Hi, I'm Shirley

13 Years of Experience  •  She/Her

A therapist who's lived some of what you're going through

For over 13 years, I've dedicated my practice to helping women navigate the weight of modern life — and I didn't arrive here by accident.

I grew up in Brooklyn as the daughter of immigrant parents, shaped by the beauty and complexity of moving between worlds. Today I'm rooted in South Florida, and a lifelong love of travel has deepened my ability to connect across cultures, backgrounds, and stories. Whether you were born here or started over somewhere new, whether you're navigating identity or just survival — I will meet you where you are.

My own journey through single parenthood and divorce gave me something no textbook can: a lived understanding of what it means to hold everything together while quietly falling apart. That experience is at the heart of every session I hold.

Who I am

I identify as a Black, cisgender woman. I offer culturally sensitive care and bring a genuine understanding of the unique pressures faced by women of color, immigrant families, and those navigating multiple identities at once.

Let's Work Together
Shirley Mathieu Licensed Clinical Social Worker in an elegant brown business outfit leaning against a wall at DNA Counseling

Your first session is about one thing:

feeling safe enough to begin

  • This isn't a clinical intake or a checklist. It's a real conversation — down-to-earth, unhurried, and completely judgment-free. You set the pace. You decide how much to share and when.

    By the end of your first session, you can expect to:

    • Feel heard, respected, and genuinely understood

    • Have a clearer sense of your goals and what you want from therapy

    • Know what our work together will look like going forward

    • Leave with a sense of hope — not overwhelm

    Many clients tell me they feel lighter after just that first conversation. That's the power of finally having a space that's truly yours.

  • My style is creative, empowering, and solution-oriented. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy — I believe in finding the approach that fits you.

    I draw on a range of evidence-based methods, including:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

    • Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

    • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)

    • Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD

    Sessions are warm, direct, and grounded in your real life. No jargon. No judgment. Just honest, focused work that helps you move forward.

  • License:  LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    Education:  MSW, Florida Atlantic University

    Experience:  13+ years

    Licensed in:  Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia

    Certifications:  Anxiety & PTSD Certified

    Therapy types:  Individual therapy

    Languages:  English

    Telehealth:  All sessions virtual via secure platform

Book your 10-Minute Consult

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