- stress and anxiety
- relationship issues
- social anxiety
About Shelly
Shelly McNulty is a Connecticut LCSW with 30 years of professional experience helping people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. She works with those who struggle with motivation and confidence and also addresses concerns like guilt, shame, loneliness, and social anxiety and phobia.
Shelly prefers a straightforward, respectful way of working. She treats the person in front of her as the expert in their own life. Sessions focus on identifying strengths, clarifying goals, and practicing concrete steps to reduce worry and build confidence in social situations.
In practical terms she helps people talk through relationship problems, improve communication, and process past hurts so those events have less power over present choices. For someone feeling isolated or overwhelmed by social situations, she uses conversations and exercises that target the habits that keep avoidance and worry going.
Shelly draws on methods that are evidence-based and oriented toward real-life change. She guides people to try small behavioral tasks, notice patterns that maintain anxiety, and develop more effective ways of relating to others. Progress is tracked in small, manageable steps.
Her background includes three decades of varied clinical work in Connecticut. People who choose her often want clear, practical guidance and someone who will listen while helping them rehearse new skills and responses.
How evidence-based methods translate to online therapy
Shelly uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on behavior and thought patterns. One common approach is behavioral activation, which encourages small, achievable actions to lift mood and reduce avoidance. This helps with depression, low motivation, and getting back into social activities.Another useful technique targets anxiety and phobic responses by gradually facing feared situations in manageable steps. This method helps people reduce avoidance and build confidence in social settings through repeated practice and reflection.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Shelly collaborates with clients to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She explains options, tries approaches together, and adjusts based on what helps most over time.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as the biography does not list explicit formats here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, avoid travel time, and check in from wherever the client happens to be. Some formats may allow shorter check-ins, audio-only conversations, or video meetings depending on what the therapist offers. Discuss practical arrangements during the matching and scheduling steps so sessions fit into everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Connecticut
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem problems, and depression. Additional focuses include communication problems, guilt and shame, loneliness, life purpose, self-love, and social anxiety and phobia.
What is her general approach in sessions?
Shelly treats the client as the expert on their own life and focuses on practical steps. Conversations aim to identify strengths, set goals, and practice behaviors that reduce worry and improve social confidence.
How much experience does she have?
She has 30 years of professional work experience in clinical settings in Connecticut.
What credentials and location apply to her practice?
She is a licensed clinical social worker, CT LCSW, practicing in Connecticut.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to start a first session?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.