Are you experiencing difficulty with life adjustments or social connectedness? I am passionate about working with those who are struggling with eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, grief, relational and social difficulties, and members of the LQBTQIA+ community. I believe that the foundation of developing an authentic self is understanding the body's response to life experiences and understanding how it functions under stress. Together, we will create a safe, supportive, and trauma-aware space to begin healing.
In settings such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient, I have worked with adults and teens experiencing binge eating, purging, anorexia, orthorexia, excessive exercise, OSFED, ARFID, and body image issues. Throughout sessions, I complete evaluations to determine whether you or a loved one requires more intensive/supportive eating disorder treatment.
In addition, I complete bariatric evaluations that are required for the surgical process. This service helps determine readiness, address any concerns about underlying eating disorder behavior, provide pre/post therapeutic support, and explore alternatives to surgery. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to assist patient's needs and use collaborative methodologies to facilitate supportive communication, reconnection, problem solving, and positive decision-making with teens, adults, and families. I hope to hear from you and look forward to jump starting your mental health journey.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+ clients.
Languages: english
Treatment Approach
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 200
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Shelby Willoughby LMSW
- Female
- License # 27150
- Licensed in MD
- Practicing Since 2014
Education: Bachelor of Science in psychology, human services, and political science from Elmira College
MSW from Keuka College
Shelby Willoughby Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Bethesda, MD and Bethesda, MD 20814
- Available Online for residents of Maryland
I have been working in the field of social work since 2014 and practicing clinically since 2016.