Shelby deBruyn Counseling
Office Based and Virtual Mental Health Services
Meet Shelby
Welcome! If you're looking for help with symptoms of anxiety, past trauma, relationship issues or difficulty adjusting to changes in your life, I'm here to help you.
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I'm Shelby and I am a licensed clinical social worker providing individual therapy to adults 18 and older residing in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
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I believe a helpful therapy experience begins by getting to know you as an individual. It's important to me that you feel safe and supported as we explore the sensitive and complex areas of your life.
Some of the treatment techniques I use include mindfulness-based practices, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, somatic techniques and more.
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After volunteering with the AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program providing services to victims/survivors of domestic abuse, I received a master's degree in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire. For more than 10 years, I have worked with many different populations in a variety of settings providing therapy and support services to groups, families and individuals of all ages living with mental illness and the effects of trauma.
I have a passion for social justice and abide by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics to guide values and conduct.
Therapy Process
Whether you've been in therapy before or this is your first time, it can feel overwhelming at first. It takes courage to seek support at any stage of life. Our first few sessions together will be meant for us to make sure we are a good clinical fit, discuss your treatment goals and choose treatment options to meet your needs.
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​Our wellness journey begins by exploring the connection between mind, body and soul. By cultivating awareness of our mental, physical, and emotional needs, we empower ourselves to make choices that align with our truest self. Embracing the idea of letting go of what no longer fits allows us to create space for new growth.
The potential for healing and change are already inside you; sometimes all we need is a guiding hand to illuminate our path.
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Forms & Client Portal
Prior to our first appointment you will receive a link to the client portal where you will be asked to complete an intake questionnaire, review my office policies and complete your profile.
Below are copies of my practice forms for your records. Please be advised there is no elevator/stair-lift to access my office and free parking is located behind the building.
Rates & Insurance
Initial diagnostic session-$150
Ongoing 55 minute sessions-$135
A Good Faith Estimate may be provided prior to the first appointment
The following insurances are accepted:
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Aetna
Anthem BC/BS
Cigna Health Plans
Optum/Harvard Pilgirm
UnitedHealthcare/UBH
Out-of-network benefits
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Private pay full rate & sliding scale
​Major credit cards, FSA/HSAs are accepted
What's therapy like?
Every therapist brings something different to their practice, including training, personality and life experiences. You might want specific treatment for specific reasons, or you might want someone to process things more generally. The theraputic relationship is one that takes time and energy to develop and is unlike any other relationship you've probably had before. Therapists are confidential, maintain ethical standards of care and are there exclusively for you, but not as a friend, family member or colleague. It's important that whoever you wind up working with, you feel comfortable, seen and supported.
How long does therapy last?
That depends on many different factors, including your therapy goals, how much time you're willing or able to devote to treatment and a number of other factors. Ultimately, you and your therapist decide how long or how often you should be seen to meet your goals. Most clients begin by meeting weekly for several weeks/months, then reduce frequency to every other week or monthly for maintenance sessions depending on your symptoms.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based practice used to treat PTSD that incorporates bilateral stimulation either through visual, tactile or auditory means. This allows the brain to process previously identified distressing memories and reprogram negative or unhelpful beliefs about ourselves. At first, this kind of treatment can often be distressing and emotionally taxing, however, ultimately can bring peace, acceptance and a new, preferred belief about yourself or the world.
What is somatic experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a type of treatment that incorporates the physical body by engaging in breath work and noticing bodily sensations in order to release and process trapped or stuck emotional energy. Research has found that some physical symptoms are linked to unresolved emotional issues, so that chronic back pain you've been noticing could be related to a past memory or experience. Some examples of SE include gentle movement and stretches, yoga postures, diaphragmatic breathing, dancing, singing and grounding through the five senses to orient ourselves to the present moment.
What is mindfulness and how is it used in therapy?
Mindfulness is all about paying attention, without judgment or attachment, to the present moment. That includes the pleasant and not so pleasant things going on in our lives. Mindfulness is a muscle that can grow with time and intentional practice. It can be used in therapy to help reduce stress, safely tolerate discomfort and increase self-awareness. We do this through labeling and identifying emotions, using breathing exercises and practicing non-judgmental language.
What are other resources for mental wellness?
Insight Timer is a wonderful, free app for guided meditation and breathing exercises. Psychology Today is a great website to search for therapists. You can tick different options on the search bar based on location, insurance, treatment and topics. (psychologytoday.com) 988 is the 24/7 national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline for yourself or a loved one. Call or text anytime. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a national non-profit resource dedicated to assisting anyone affected by mental illness. (www.naminh.org) Haven is a local 24/7 domestic and sexual abuse support agency in southeastern NH. They can also connect you or a loved one with national resources. (www.havennh.org)
FAQs
Contact
Thank you for your interest! My practice is currently full.
Feel free to reach out to me by filling out the form below.
Please be mindful to not include any sensitive information, as privacy cannot be guaranteed through electronic communication.
978-255-3070
251 Central Ave, Suite 3, Dover, NH, 03820