Rate Shelby Littlepage

Based in central Indiana, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Indiana and nationally registered art therapist (ATR) with nearly a decade of professional work experience. As an art therapist and mental health counselor, I have a variety of approaches to bring into the therapeutic relationship and deeply believe in the power of creativity and mindfulness to guide and heal.

While I have experience working with individuals and groups of all ages in a variety of settings – including mental health agencies, school settings, and day treatment facilities—I have spent the most time working with teens and young adults providing in-person direct mental health care and behavioral counseling via individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Issues I can help with include but are not limited to the following: coping with stress and anxiety; managing depression; motivation; ADHD; self-esteem and confidence; and coping with big and small life changes. I am also trained to provide psychoeducation about mental health conditions and medication management. I cannot prescribe medication.

My therapy style and approach are eclectic and draw influence from Jungian, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered/Humanistic, Mindfulness, Somatic, and Polyvagal Theory. It is important to me to meet you where you are and attune treatment to what will work best for us as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working towards increased insight and self-reflection or seeking symptom-relief and improved functioning, I am here to support you with making the most of that big step to connect and grow. I will do everything in my power to tailor our dialog and your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, so your honesty and thoughtfulness make a big difference in the process. It is a courageous and vulnerable thing to trust a stranger with the tough stuff, but the more I know about you and what you are trying to accomplish, the better able I am to help you find your way there.

I believe in treating the therapeutic relationship, and you, with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and warmth. I am privileged to meet with and support people during incredibly stressful and challenging times in their lives. I always endeavor to assume positive intent when interacting with clients and hope you will do the same for me. I am a real person who makes mistakes. An important aspect of the therapeutic relationship is engaging honestly and openly with one another in order to learn new ways of communicating and understanding. The problems you may encounter with me while we are working together often reflect the challenges you are experiencing in other areas of your life. The difference with our relationship is that it’s my job to help you work on those problems so I’m going to do everything I can to earnestly and kindly engage you in that work. I am also open to learning and always appreciate your feedback. Most of the time I find that we can work through whatever might come up. Sometimes, it may be necessary to refer you to a different therapist who can better help you with your particular challenges.

I see therapy as a timely relationship where it is my job to hold space, instill hope, shine a light, and hold up a metaphorical mirror while clients explore their inner world, make meaning and sense of their story, and try on new ideas and ways of being. Therapy is a time (and space) limited activity. Ideally, we meet once a week or once every two weeks for approximately 45-55 minutes and we make the most of that time. We usually decide together based on your treatment plan goals how and when to end the helping relationship.

It takes a lot of strength and will power to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life.

A note about art therapy: I hold a bachelor’s in studio art and a masters in art therapy AND counseling. I do identify as an artist and general creative person and have spent many years exploring art making techniques and methods. I do not require that you make art, and I cannot tell you anything about your artwork you don’t already know about yourself. We will explore creativity together and determine your comfort zone. If you’d like me to incorporate art making into your treatment, we can discuss that together and explore what that looks like in session.

Other things you might want to know about me include the fact that I am a science nerd and love to learn about the brain and biology. I like to watch a variety of shows as well as read fiction and non-fiction, and I keep a journal. I am also an aquatic fitness instructor and regularly practice yoga. One of my personal and professional goals is to complete yoga teacher training over the next year. I am a single parent with a 4.5 year old daughter. I have two miniature schnauzers who keep me active, and I like to garden indoors and out.

I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. It is also ok to message me if you don’t see a time that fits for you.

Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away!