Shirley Moore (she/her)

Who I work with

I help undergraduate and graduate students, teenagers, stressed professionals, people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community with a variety of concerns including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, multicultural issues, relationship issues, daily stress, low self-esteem, identity confusion, and life transitions.

My Treatment Philosophy

We are all humans going through our own personal journeys, which all look different! Regardless of our respective journeys, we all face unique challenges that we need help with, and that is okay. My role is to walk alongside you wherever you choose. You are the driver, and I am here to support. Therapy is a beautiful process that allows a non-judgmental and non-biased person to hold space for you. I consider this a privilege to be able to do so. It is common that we are surrounded by persons with good intentions who tell us what we “should” do. When in reality what we need is someone to listen and sit in the discomfort with us. In our sessions, we will discuss complex emotions, patterns, distortions, grief, and anything that is a barrier between you and your best self. In addition to discussing/implementing tools and strategies that you can carry with you wherever life brings you. I am a firm believer that you are the professional of your story and already have all of the answers within you.

Why I became a counselor

Ever since I was a child, I have had an innate desire to help others. Whether that was offering to help my friend’s parents with tasks, being a listening ear to my friends, or finding ways to make others’ lives easier. I have always found helping others as fulfilling and nourishing for my soul. As I grew older, my path began to align with the field of counseling. Since entering this line of work, I truly cannot imagine dedicating my life to another field.

My treatment theories and approaches

I take an integrative approach to my practice that is driven through a combination of my expertise and what my client needs. The foundation of my practice is typically strengths based, person centered, trauma informed, mindfulness, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

My life outside work

In my personal life, you can find me spending time with friends and family. I have two rescue pups named Kona and Luna, who are the lights of my life! I am often walking them by the river or in the park. Moreover, I have an adventurous spirit, so I love indulging in new experiences whether its traveling around the world and immersing in different cultures or making new recipes at home!

If I weren’t a counselor I’d be (and why): What initially comes to mind is opening a coffee shop/bakery. I am inspired by the idea of designing a cohesive, cozy, and warm space for people to gather and connect over good food. I would love to be able to bake the goods myself. In addition, I would have my artwork and other local artists’ work hung up for sale around the shop.

Hobbies/Interests/Passions

My hobbies include ways that I can express myself creatively whether it’s through painting, crafting, or baking! I also enjoying being in nature and find myself most grounded when I am in it. More specifically, I find myself happiest when I am surrounded by a large body of water.

Availability

Shirley provides in-person counseling services in Richmond, Virginia and online counseling throughout Virginia.