Shelley Crawford Jackson, LMHC

Shelley Crawford Jackson’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)

I have always known working with people who are experiencing difficulties was the right path for my life work. Unconditional positive regard comes very naturally to me and I have always had a strong, personal ethic for respecting and valuing other people’s strengths and stories. Through my studies, my practice, and my own personal journey, I have a deep, intrinsic understanding of how challenging it can be to look at and work through difficult obstacles.

Everyone has an answer, or many answers, they have developed in order to survive difficulties encountered in life. Loss, transition, relationship difficulties, overwhelming emotions or patterns of behavior which prevent us from moving forward in productive and meaningful ways are where these answers have provided relief in the past. These answers, in the moment, were tools for survival. However, life evolves and answers which fit for us at one time in our life no longer fit the current framework. When these answers no longer fit or serve and instead cause distress, pain or confusion it’s time to look at, understand, and evaluate how these “answers” are working in our lives today. We are often led to counseling through those feelings of personal distress, pain, or confusion. It takes committed action and courage to make the decision to receive help and allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to receive the help for which we are looking. In order to leverage this willingness to be vulnerable, my role is to ensure that you have a safe place where you feel comfortable taking risks and exploring new ways of thinking.

While working with clients I nurture and develop strong relationships in order to provide effective care. I hold healthy, non-judgmental and safe space for those who are hurting and at a loss. Within this space I am able to assist clients with developing awareness and insight, while facilitating their ability to trust in order to process through difficult emotions and events. Eventually, this space will become a place where the client focuses on creating new answers, identifying and honoring their strengths, as well as a place to develop tools which will propel them toward healing, growth, and change.

My therapeutic approach is influenced by trainings in relational psychotherapy, attachment theory, grief treatment, interpersonal neurobiology, and trauma recovery. When working with clients I utilize specific skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Narrative Therapy when appropriate. My goal is to help you understand patterns and beliefs that may be affecting any or all areas of your life and develop healthier ways of processing, communicating, understanding, and connecting with yourself and others. I received my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon.

I am a lover of the Pacific Northwest and in my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, learning, hiking, listening to music, watching HGTV, and finding ways to share joy and laughter – the BEST medicine.

Specialties and areas of focus

Individuals
Trauma
Anxiety
Adjustments
Grief/Loss
Depression
Self-esteem
Women’s issues
Life transitions
Relationship issues

Q&A with Shelley

1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?

I am comfortable with both approaches, although I tend to focus on the deeper issue because it often influences patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that lead to the immediate problem. With that being said, there are circumstances that also require immediate focus and I am able to work with the most appropriate approach for the presenting issue.

2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?

I am flexible with this. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you are the expert on your life, your pain, and what you are comfortable and ready for. I will provide direction when it is needed and I will invite communication that promotes your personal power in the process.

3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?

I value relationships and feel the therapeutic relationship is the catalyst for change, so I am able to convey strong values of compassion, respect, and understanding. I am always looking to improve or expand my skills and growth as a therapist and as a person. I appreciate deep discussions, humor, and I am comfortable with “uncomfortable” topics and situations.

4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?

Superhuman intelligence with access to Universal wisdom so that I might have the knowledge to manipulate energy and physics to create any other superpower and certainly to influence positive change.

5.) What makes you laugh?

Laughter is a strong value in our family, so we are always finding reasons to laugh. Stand-up comedy, dry humor, funny videos/memes (that do not involve people being hurt), animals, people, the list is endless.

6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?

I would love to have dinner with my great grandmother on my mom’s side, who has a mysterious and interesting past. I would also enjoy meeting with any spiritual masters, both known and unknown, as well as, great contributors to the field of psychology such as Carl Jung, Erik Erikson, and Carl Rogers, just to name a few.