Based in central Indiana, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Indiana and nationally registered art therapist (ATR) with nearly a decade of professional work experience. As an art therapist and mental health counselor, I have a variety of approaches to bring into the therapeutic relationship and deeply believe in the power of creativity and mindfulness to guide and heal.
While I have experience working with individuals and groups of all ages in a variety of settings – including mental health agencies, school settings, and day treatment facilities—I have spent the most time working with teens and young adults providing in-person direct mental health care and behavioral counseling via individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Issues I can help with include but are not limited to the following: coping with stress and anxiety; managing depression; motivation; ADHD; self-esteem and confidence; and coping with big and small life changes. I am also trained to provide psychoeducation about mental health conditions and medication management. I cannot prescribe medication.
My therapy style and approach are eclectic and draw influence from Jungian, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered/Humanistic, Mindfulness, Somatic, and Polyvagal Theory. It is important to me to meet you where you are and attune treatment to what will work best for us as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working towards increased insight and self-reflection or seeking symptom-relief and improved functioning, I am here to support you with making the most of that big step to connect and grow. I will do everything in my power to tailor our dialog and your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, so your honesty and thoughtfulness make a big difference in the process. It is a courageous and vulnerable thing to trust a stranger with the tough stuff, but the more I know about you and what you are trying to accomplish, the better able I am to help you find your way there.
I believe in treating the therapeutic relationship, and you, with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and warmth. I am privileged to meet with and support people during incredibly stressful and challenging times in their lives. I always endeavor to assume positive intent when interacting with clients and hope you will do the same for me. I am a real person who makes mistakes. An important aspect of the therapeutic relationship is engaging honestly and openly with one another in order to learn new ways of communicating and understanding. The problems you may encounter with me while we are working together often reflect the challenges you are experiencing in other areas of your life. The difference with our relationship is that it’s my job to help you work on those problems so I’m going to do everything I can to earnestly and kindly engage you in that work. I am also open to learning and always appreciate your feedback. Most of the time I find that we can work through whatever might come up. Sometimes, it may be necessary to refer you to a different therapist who can better help you with your particular challenges.
I see therapy as a timely relationship where it is my job to hold space, instill hope, shine a light, and hold up a metaphorical mirror while clients explore their inner world, make meaning and sense of their story, and try on new ideas and ways of being. Therapy is a time (and space) limited activity. Ideally, we meet once a week or once every two weeks for approximately 45-55 minutes and we make the most of that time. We usually decide together based on your treatment plan goals how and when to end the helping relationship.
It takes a lot of strength and will power to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life.
A note about art therapy: I hold a bachelor’s in studio art and a masters in art therapy AND counseling. I do identify as an artist and general creative person and have spent many years exploring art making techniques and methods. I do not require that you make art, and I cannot tell you anything about your artwork you don’t already know about yourself. We will explore creativity together and determine your comfort zone. If you’d like me to incorporate art making into your treatment, we can discuss that together and explore what that looks like in session.
Other things you might want to know about me include the fact that I am a science nerd and love to learn about the brain and biology. I like to watch a variety of shows as well as read fiction and non-fiction, and I keep a journal. I am also an aquatic fitness instructor and regularly practice yoga. One of my personal and professional goals is to complete yoga teacher training over the next year. I am a single parent with a 4.5 year old daughter. I have two miniature schnauzers who keep me active, and I like to garden indoors and out.
I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. It is also ok to message me if you don’t see a time that fits for you.
Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away!
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, ADHD, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy
IN LMHC 39003589A
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Shelby Littlepage. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Shelby is a wonderful therapist. She is fun to talk to and does a wonderful job of making you feel comfortable and understood. No judgement. She will tell you what you need to hear but is gentle in her words and approach. You can tell it comes from a place of caring and compassion.
Written on Oct 29, 2024 after therapy with Shelby for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I’ve tried a few other therapists in the past, but I felt an instant connection with Shelby and look forward to our sessions each week! She’s insightful and supportive, and she is always looking to explore new techniques. I’ve really begun to grow into myself and am thankful I found her.
Written on Sep 26, 2024 after therapy with Shelby for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Shelby has been an amazing help, in such a short time. Very quick to identify trouble areas and give resources.
Written on Sep 17, 2024 after therapy with Shelby for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Shelby has been very easy to talk to, which I’m thankful for as therapy makes me a bit nervous. She’s made the process very easy, and she’s super encouraging.
Written on Sep 11, 2024 after therapy with Shelby for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
I like that Shelby is taking time to get to know me. She is easy to talk to and is offering a helpful point of view.
Written on Sep 04, 2024 after therapy with Shelby for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
Shelby is very sweet and I feel she really understands me.
Written on Aug 31, 2024 after therapy with Shelby for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compas