Shirley Cayko, LCSW

Shirley Cayko is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Montana with 18 years of experience. She focuses on practical ways to reduce stress and anxiety and to build clearer day-to-day coping skills. Shirley aims to meet people where they are and respond with respect and compassion.

She typically adapts conversations and plans to each person's situation. That can mean short-term strategies for managing panic or longer work on self-esteem and motivation. Shirley often uses talk-based methods alongside exercises people can try between sessions.

Many people come to her for help after a major life change, during grief, or when trauma keeps them from moving forward. She also supports those facing chronic illness, caregiving strain, or challenges related to gender and sexual identity. Her background includes work with depression, bipolar concerns, anger, and relationship stress.

Shirley draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy along with mindfulness and existential approaches. She explains tools plainly and practices skills with clients in session. The aim is practical progress that fits each person's goals.

She offers therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Shirley often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to ease symptoms like anxiety and depression. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, with exercises people can practice between sessions.

She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, a supportive approach that centers on listening and understanding. This method helps people feel heard while they explore goals and make choices that fit their values.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another approach she may draw on, teaching skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication when intense feelings get in the way.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. Shirley collaborates with each person to pick methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She checks in and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy easier to fit into busy lives. Video can be used for face-to-face conversation, phone for lower bandwidth or when being on camera is difficult, chat for quick check-ins, and messaging for ongoing short updates and skill practice. These options help people keep continuity of care and access support from wherever they are in Montana.