About Shelby Stone

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT #112223) with experience in providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy services for adults and adolescents. From my clinical work, I find that a trusting relationship between the therapist and the client is essential to growth and development. A calm and open minded attitude encourages the security and confidence necessary to help you maximize strengths and reduce stress.

Using a strengths-based approach, I am dedicated to supporting progress through warmth and understanding. I am eager to help clients with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, and chronic illness. From helping teens with trauma and high-risk behaviors to teaching parents mindfulness strategies, I am passionate about making individuals and families feel stronger. Based on research and experience, I believe in the power of “focusing on the present” to improve your day-to-day life.

Whatever challenges you are facing, I hope to create a safe environment to support you.

Approach

Together we tailor a treatment plan to fit your specific needs, considering where you’ve been and where you want to go. My strength-based approach incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based practices (MBCT) to promote healthy ways of thinking, active change, and grounding in the present moment. For issues of trauma or “stuck” areas, I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, a highly research and effective approach, and Brainspotting. I also use Family Systems and a Multicultural perspective to ensure that we address your sense of identity and need for connection and relationships.

Experience

As a clinical therapist, I’ve worked in a variety of mental health settings throughout Southern California dealing with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to trauma and addiction.

At Counseling Partners of Los Angeles, I provided school-based counseling to students and parents in need. I continued my career at Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic, a Department of Mental Health facility, where I worked with at risk children, teens, young adults, and families from South LA. In my work at CLARE Foundation, I provided adult individual and group addiction therapy to dual diagnosis, formerly incarcerated, and homeless clients. I also have experience in conducting Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with Autism, OCD, ADHD, and other behavioral disorders.

Outside of my private practice, I have also provided therapeutic services at a middle/high school for students with socioemotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities.  

Credentials

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT #112223). I received my Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of Southern California, where I focused my research on effective treatment options for adolescents with complex trauma.

I also hold a BA in Psychology from Pepperdine University with Summa Cum Laude honors. I am a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and am on the board of the Los Angeles Chapter of CAMFT. I have presented my research on identity development, life purpose, and well-being for the Western Psychological Association.

I am a fully trained EMDR therapist by an EMDRIA approved program, am certified in Brainspotting and Seeking Safety, and am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Infancy, Childhood, and Relationship Enrichment (ICARE) Assessments.