Shelby Kilkenny, CSWA is a psychotherapist deeply committed to supporting adolescents and adults in therapeutic settings. She draws on her extensive experience working with children, families, and adults in both outpatient and inpatient environments. Shelby’s approach is rooted in a humanistic and trauma-informed lens. She utilizes evidence-based practices to help manage and alleviate interpersonal challenges, fostering more manageable and fulfilling lives, including:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR),
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), 
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

With a passion for empowering patients, Shelby incorporates motivational interviewing techniques, guiding individuals to discover their strengths and achieve their personal goals. Shelby believes that every individual possesses innate capabilities and focuses on helping clients access internal resources that promote healing and growth. Shelby’s expertise includes:

• Trauma, 

• Anxiety, 
• Depression, 
• Familial conflict, 
• Teen care and adult care,
• Working to reduce suffering, 
• Enhance self-awareness, and 
• Strengthening relationships. 

Shelby is a strong advocate for accessible mental health care, particularly for those facing systemic barriers or adversity. Shelby strives to build meaningful, trusting therapeutic relationships that allow individuals and families to overcome obstacles related to mental health, fostering lasting change and personal well-being.

Informed by years of experience serving high acuity children, adolescents and their families in both residential and outpatient settings, Shelby feels strong in her capacity to in particular support adolescents and teens. Her focus is on promoting healthy relationships and skills to help manage life’s challenges. 

Her patients report that Shelby is a trusting and compassionate provider, who is able to ensure patients feel supported and heard. Patients are able to open up to Shelby without fear of judgment and shame. Shelby has been able to construct an environment where individuals feel safe and respected. Shelby’s progress with clients can be gauged through measurable, objective, and self reported positive outcomes. Shelby’s devotion to her work can be seen through the important relationships she creates to help those around her thrive.

Shelby graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science with a concentration in Child and Family Studies in 2012. Shelby graduated with a Masters Degree from Portland State University in Social Work in 2020. Shelby has certifications in Trauma and Substance Use, EMDR and Somatic based Interventions, Play Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. 

She is available for telehealth for Oregon Health Plan patients and is accepting new clients.