Shirley Butler

Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships

About

Hi, I’m ShirIey,
I am a 61 year old Native American Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 20 years experience in the mental health field. I have worked in community mental health and I have worked in Tribal Behavioral Health. In both of these agencies I have worked as a crisis on-call therapist on rotation as well as seeing clients in office. Currently, I operate from a private practice which I established in 2013. Although I have spent a great deal of time living and working on the reservation, I have lived in many other cultures and I truly appreciate diversity. I have always been a very curious person so Social Work has been a great outlet for me to explore populations, cultures, and behaviors.

I obtained a Bachelor Degree in 1998 in Human Services Rehabilitation from Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, MT. I have a Masters in Social Work from Walla Walla University in Missoula, MT in 2004. Once I received my MSW, I practiced for three thousand supervised clinical hours before I was able to sit for my clinical license exam. I have worked with diverse cultures and populations. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) which has proven beneficial in the treatment of PTSD (Post- traumatic Stress) and other adverse/disturbing experiences. What disturbs or traumatizes us is unique to the individual. I prefer to spend time with each new client building a rapport and an alliance of trust and safety. I like to develop a plan of treatment that is tailored to the unique individual and with full collaboration.

I am a firm believer in the healing process of telling one’s own story and areas an individual would like to examine since they are best at knowing the parts of self they believe need to be examined to help them to progress and grow in their desired direction.
I look forward to exploring with you!

Years Experience: 23

Location: Montana, United States

Accepting New Clients: Yes

Gender: Female

Accepting international clients: Yes

NPI Number: 1619151669

Credentials: MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-815

Languages Spoken: English

Licenses: LCSW (Montana) #BBH-LCSW-LIC-815 exp 2025-12-31

List of Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes, Relationship, Family, Grief, Parenting, Anger, Career, Bipolar, Female therapist, Older, Non-religious, Liberal therapist

Where Can You Work With This Therapist: BetterHelp

Therapist of color: No

Communication options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Start with Shirley Butler

Shirley Butler

Experienced Native American LCSW

EMDR-trained therapist
Trauma and anxiety expertise
Montana private practice

Start with Shirley Butler

Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime

About

Shirley Butler is a 61-year-old Native American licensed clinical social worker practicing in Montana with 23 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in both community mental health and Tribal Behavioral Health, functioning as a crisis on-call therapist on rotation as well as seeing clients in an office setting. In 2013 she established a private practice where she continues to provide clinical services.

She earned a Bachelor degree in Human Services Rehabilitation in 1998 from Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, Montana, and completed a Master of Social Work at Walla Walla University in Missoula in 2004. After receiving her MSW she completed three thousand supervised clinical hours before qualifying to sit for the clinical licensing exam.

Shirley is trained in EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – an approach she uses when addressing post-traumatic stress and other distressing experiences. She prefers to spend time building rapport and establishing an alliance of trust and safety with each new client, and she collaborates with clients to develop treatment plans tailored to the individual.

Having spent significant time living and working on the reservation while also living in many other cultural settings, she brings a strong appreciation for diversity to her work. Drawn by a natural curiosity about people, cultures, and behavior, she found social work to be a fitting professional path. She believes in the healing value of telling one’s own story and in focusing on the areas clients identify for growth, and she welcomes the opportunity to explore concerns with clients and support them toward their goals.

Location: Montana, United States

Years Experience: 23

Gender: Female

Languages Spoken: English

Therapist of Color: No

Communication Options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus: Coping with life changes, Depression, Self esteem, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse

Other areas of experience: Abandonment, Anger, Bipolar, Career, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Family, Forgiveness, Grief, Parenting, Post-traumatic stress, Relationship, Relationship, Self-love, Women’s issues

Therapeutic approach: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Ready To Start Your Journey?

Therapist Available Through: BetterHelp

Currently Accepting New Clients: Yes

Accepting International Clients: Yes

Start with Shirley Butler

Credentials & Verification

Credentials: MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-815
NPI Number: 1619151669
License: LCSW (Montana) #BBH-LCSW-LIC-815 exp 2025-12-31

Is Online Therapy the Right Choice for Your Mental Health Journey?

Many people wonder whether online therapy can make a meaningful difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life changes, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions for most situations. One of the clearest advantages is flexibility – clients can connect with a therapist in the format that fits their life, choosing video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. That flexibility often makes it easier to attend sessions consistently and to fit therapy into a busy schedule. All therapists are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to switch therapists if they would prefer a different fit. For many people, online therapy offers a convenient, effective way to address everyday mental health concerns and to work toward personal goals with a licensed therapist.

How much experience does Shirley Butler have?

Shirley Butler has 23 years of experience providing therapy services.

Is Shirley Butler a licensed therapist?

Yes, Shirley Butler is a licensed therapist in Montana (MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-815).

In which languages does Shirley Butler provide therapy?

Shirley Butler provides therapy in English.

Where is Shirley Butler located?

Shirley Butler is located in Montana.

How can I work with Shirley Butler as my therapist?

Clients can work with Shirley Butler by Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging.

Does Shirley Butler work with international clients?

Shirley Butler does work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Shirley Butler cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as a client’s location and Shirley Butler’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the ‘Start Therapy’ button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with Shirley Butler is straightforward. Click the ‘Start Therapy’ button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with the therapist. Depending on availability, clients can then schedule a first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Start with Shirley Butler