Shirley Cayko, LCSW

Shirley Cayko is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Montana with 18 years of professional experience. She brings a calm, respectful approach to helping people manage stress and anxiety, work through trauma and abuse, and build motivation, self esteem, and confidence.

Shirley focuses on supporting clients who are coping with life changes, tailoring conversational style and treatment plans to meet each person’s individual needs. As an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - she combines practical strategies with empathetic listening to help clients move forward at their own pace.

She emphasizes sensitivity and compassion in every interaction, and she recognizes that beginning therapy can take courage. Shirley acknowledges that first step and encourages people for taking it, working collaboratively to design care that aligns with their goals and strengths.

Integrating therapeutic approaches in online care

Shirley Cayko draws on client-centered therapy to create a respectful, collaborative relationship where the client’s own goals and values guide the work. This approach prioritizes empathy and active listening and is helpful for people seeking support through life transitions and self esteem challenges.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, a practical method that helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. CBT is often applied when clients want structured tools to manage mood and behavior.

Dialectical behavior therapy techniques are incorporated when emotion regulation, interpersonal difficulties, or intense reactions are central concerns. DBT offers concrete skills for coping with strong emotions and improving relationships, and it can complement other therapeutic methods.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Shirley will work collaboratively with each person to determine which combination of methods fits their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Shirley is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options provide flexibility for scheduling, reduce travel time, and make it easier to maintain regular appointments while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.