Shelby Cook, Licensed Independent Social Worker, LCSW-QS, CCTP
Gahanna, Ohio
VerifiedTelehealth Available
My Approach to Therapy
In the pursuit of healing and understanding, my professional journey commenced with a dedicated focus on treating trauma, specifically with a deep-seated interest in supporting veterans and active-duty service members. Witnessing these individuals’ unique challenges upon returning to civilian life ignited my passion for providing tailored, empathetic therapeutic interventions.
As my commitment to the mental well-being of those who serve grew, so did my desire to comprehensively grasp the complexities surrounding burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma – pervasive issues affecting not only the military community but individuals across various professions. Recognizing the critical intersection of mental health and organizational well-being, I made the intentional decision to advance my education.
Venturing into uncharted territory, I pursued a Doctor of Healthcare Administration, driven by the aspiration to delve deeper into the intricacies of burnout, compassion fatigue, and the broader landscape of corporate wellness. This academic pursuit became a profound undertaking, a bridge between the profound experiences of trauma therapy and the systemic challenges impacting professionals in various fields.
This journey has not only enhanced my clinical acumen but has also equipped me with a holistic understanding of the organizational dynamics that contribute to mental health struggles. Armed with this comprehensive knowledge, my mission extends beyond the therapy room – to address, prevent, and alleviate the burdens contributing to burnout and compassion fatigue.
My commitment remains unwavering: to advocate for the well-being of individuals who have faced trauma and to illuminate the path toward corporate wellness. Through this fusion of clinical expertise and administrative insight, I aspire to create lasting change, fostering environments where individuals can thrive mentally, emotionally, and professionally.
Join me on this odyssey of healing, understanding, and transformation as we collectively navigate the intricate interplay between mental health, trauma, and corporate well-being.
My Practice & Services
Cook Counseling & Consulting Inc.: Specializing in trauma therapy, anxiety, and depression. Offering personalized care, expert support, and online courses to empower healing and personal growth. Led by experienced therapists, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed services, including individual counseling, CANS assessments for OhioRISE, and group programs designed to foster resilience and well-being.
Cook Counseling & Consulting offers various group therapy options to support individuals facing various mental health challenges in a compassionate and collaborative environment. The practice currently provides several specialized group therapy programs, including:
-Coping Skills Development Group: Focused on helping participants build practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
-Embrace and Heal: A virtual community specifically for survivors of sexual assault and violence, offering a safe space to process trauma and connect with others.
-Futures Without Violence: A survivor’s group aimed at those overcoming the impacts of abuse, fostering resilience and healing.
-Men’s Empowerment Group: Tailored for men seeking to strengthen emotional health, develop self-awareness, and build supportive peer connections.
-Teen Boys’ Empowerment Group & Teen Girls’ Anxiety Support Group: Designed for adolescents navigating anxiety, self-esteem, and empowerment during a critical developmental period.
These group offerings emphasize mutual support, shared experiences, and guided therapeutic discussions that help individuals develop coping strategies and build community. Group therapy is an excellent way to reduce feelings of isolation while receiving professional guidance and peer encouragement.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
As a trauma-informed therapist and Army veteran with experience as both a noncommissioned and commissioned officer, I specialize in providing support to veterans, military personnel, and first responders. My unique background allows me to deeply understand the challenges faced by those in high-stress, service-oriented careers.
I offer expertise in:
-Trauma Recovery: Assisting clients in overcoming trauma, including combat-related PTSD and critical incident stress.
-Anxiety and Depression: Supporting individuals through persistent feelings of anxiety and depression, helping them regain control and balance.
-Military and First Responder Stress: Providing tailored care to address the unique mental health challenges experienced by veterans, military personnel, and first responders.
-Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Using this evidence-based approach to help clients process and reframe the impact of trauma.
Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, I aim to empower individuals to heal and thrive, drawing from my experiences in the military to offer an empathetic, supportive environment.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and overall well-being. It offers a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with the guidance of a trained therapist. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, psychotherapy can help you:
-Gain Insight: Understand the root causes of your emotional and psychological challenges, giving you a clearer perspective on your struggles.
-Develop Coping Skills: Learn practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions, empowering you to handle life's difficulties.
-Improve Relationships: Enhance your communication skills and emotional intelligence, helping you build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
-Heal from Trauma: Through trauma-informed approaches, psychotherapy can help you process and heal from painful past experiences, such as abuse or military service-related stress.
Therapy is not just for those in crisis; it can also be a space for personal growth, self-discovery, and long-term emotional well-being. Whether you?re seeking relief from mental health issues or looking to improve your life, psychotherapy offers a pathway to better emotional health and fulfillment.
My Guiding Ethical Principles
As a therapist, my guiding ethical principles are rooted in creating a safe, compassionate, and respectful environment for every client. These principles shape the way I approach therapy and are at the core of every interaction:
-Confidentiality and Trust: Your privacy is paramount. I ensure that everything shared in therapy is held in strict confidence, creating a space to express yourself openly without fear of judgment or disclosure.
-Non-Judgment and Respect: I believe in treating every client with dignity, respect, and empathy, regardless of their background, experiences, or struggles. Your feelings and experiences are valid, and I am here to support you, not to judge.
-Client Autonomy and Empowerment: Therapy is a collaborative process where your goals and values lead the way. I?m here to guide and support you, but I firmly believe in empowering you to take charge of your own healing journey.
-Cultural Competence and Sensitivity: I am committed to understanding and respecting the diverse cultural, social, and personal identities that shape your life. I strive to provide care that is culturally informed and inclusive.
-Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing the prevalence and impact of trauma, I approach therapy with a focus on safety, trust, and empowerment, ensuring that every session is tailored to your needs and personal history.
These principles guide my commitment to providing ethical, compassionate, and client-centered care, supporting your healing and growth path.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you're unsure what to expect. However, therapy is a space designed to openly explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or just feeling overwhelmed, therapy offers a chance to better understand yourself and develop the tools you need to navigate life's challenges.
If you're on the fence, remember that therapy is not about fixing you?it's about empowering you to make sense of your experiences and find healthier ways to cope. You don't need all the answers before starting therapy; it's a process that unfolds at your own pace with a supportive therapist. Many people find that just having someone listen can make a world of difference.
If you're ready to invest in your well-being, reaching out for support might be one of your most impactful decisions. You deserve the time and space to focus on you.
Expertise & Specialties
Age Groups I Work With
ChildrenTeensAdultsElders
Groups I Work With
At Cook Counseling and Consulting Inc., we work with various populations, focusing on LGBTQIA+, veterans, service members, BIPOC, and immigrants.
Therapy Services & Specialties
ADHD TestingChemical Dependency EvaluationClinical SupervisionCounseling for OffendersFamily TherapyGroup TherapyIndividual Therapy & CounselingMarriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Concerns & Challenges Addressed
Adjusting to Change / Life TransitionsAnxietyDepressionGrief, Loss, and BereavementLGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) IssuesMilitary and Veterans IssuesPosttraumatic Stress / TraumaSocial Anxiety / Phobia
Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CoachingCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Processing TherapyCulturally Sensitive TherapyMotivational Interviewing Narrative TherapyTrauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Industries & Communities
BIPOCFirst Responder/Medical ProfessionalsLGBTQ+Military/Law EnforcementSelf-Employed and Freelance ProfessionalsUnion First
Video Introduction
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Location & Contact
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