IFSTherapists

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LCSW

Shirley Cayko, LCSW

  • Experience18 years
  • LocationMontana
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, and Self esteem
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Shirley

Shirley Cayko is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Montana with 18 years of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. She brings a respectful, sensitive, and compassionate stance to each therapeutic relationship, shaping conversations and plans to fit the individual’s needs.

Background and approach

Her background includes work on issues such as self-esteem, motivation, grief, anger, bipolar disorder, and depression, and she also addresses a wide range of related concerns from chronic illness and caregiver stress to hospice and end-of-life counseling. Shirley blends evidence-informed methods to help clients build coping skills and gain clarity about next steps.

She uses Internal Family Systems alongside client-centered and cognitive-behavioral tools to explore internal parts, strengthen self-leadership, and shift unhelpful thinking and behaviors. New clients can expect a collaborative process that honors their pace and priorities while focusing on practical strategies and deeper insight to support change.

How Shirley’s Approaches Translate to Online Therapy



Internal Family Systems (IFS) is used to help people notice and relate to different internal parts rather than being overwhelmed by a single feeling; it can be useful for trauma, inner conflict, and emotional patterns. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on providing a nonjudgmental, empathetic environment where the client’s perspective guides the work, supporting self-discovery and personal growth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers practical strategies to change unhelpful thinking and coping patterns.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shirley works with clients to explore which methods match their goals and preferences, combining techniques as needed and adjusting the plan based on what is most helpful in-session and between meetings.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into busy lives and to maintain continuity during transitions. These formats allow licensed professionals to offer consistent support, practical skill-building, and reflective conversation without requiring travel, helping people access care that fits their schedule and daily responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Shirley address?
Her practice covers stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, coping with life changes, grief, anger, bipolar disorder, and depression, along with many related issues such as chronic pain, caregiver stress, and hospice and end-of-life matters.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while tailoring dialog and treatment plans to each person’s needs, using collaborative and individualized approaches in sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 18 years of professional experience working with a variety of mental health and life stress concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Montana with credential reference MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-803.
Does she work with non-English speakers or international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available?
Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on scheduling and preference.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in beginning therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

Montana

Languages

English