Find a therapist in Austin, TX — covered by insurance

I’m a therapist who shows up — fully. I don’t sit back and just listen; I stay engaged, ask thoughtful (sometimes direct) questions, and work collaboratively to help you move forward. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely seen, valued, and supported in our work together — like they matter. That’s not an accident. I believe the therapeutic relationship itself can be a powerful tool for healing.

I also bring lived experience into the room. As a gay man and someone who has worked through complex trauma personally, I understand the importance of safe, affirming, and spacious therapy. I know what it means to carry parts of yourself that have long been hidden, and I consider it a privilege to support others in exploring theirs.

I believe that self-compassion and self-acceptance are essential for promoting growth and healing. My work with clients is informed by multiple therapeutic approaches grounded in psychodynamic, attachment, somatic, emotion-focused, and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients reconnect with themselves and heal at a core level. I regularly utilize AEDP, ISTDP and Internal Family Systems with clients. I aim to help clients heal the source of their distress, build capacity for emotion expression and regulation, and incorporate behaviors that lead to a healthier self and stronger relationships.

I received my B.A. in Psychology from Vassar College and my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, CA.

Hi there. I’m Shelby White, LCSW, an attachment-focused therapist who sees individuals and couples in-person in Austin, Texas and virtually throughout Texas and Tennessee.

You may be highly self-aware and outwardly successful, yet feel disconnected, unseen, or stuck in old relational patterns. Like many of my clients, you may be experiencing all the confusion that comes with healing from narcissistic abuse or attachment-based trauma and yearn for more than tools to “do better”. My goal is to provide you with a space to be fully known.

I work with successful professionals and creatives seeking deeper connection, emotional freedom, and a life that feels aligned—not just productive.

If you’re ready to break out of old patterns that were developed to keep you safe in the past, you’re in the right spot. Together, we can forge a path toward the version of you that you’ve longed to become.

I offer deep work for people ready to live fully.

I’m so glad you’re here. The world can seem like an overwhelming place and making the choice to get help is an incredibly powerful one. I became a therapist because I care about making a difference and I believe in the resiliency of the human spirit. I will work with you to make therapy into a rewarding journey of profound self-discovery.

I have a genuine passion for working to help others find the tools they need to live a fulfilling and happy life. I think it’s important to work closely with each person to build a safe and supportive environment in therapy so that real and lasting change can occur. Asking for help takes tremendous courage. You're worth it.

Welcome!

My work with clients values the therapeutic relationship, authenticity, and practical solutions.

I specialize in working with adults, older adolescents, and couples dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, grief, relationship issues, or low self esteem.

I have experience in group practice, community mental health, and private practice settings, doing psychotherapy with a wide range of clients experiencing diverse clinical concerns.

I earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.

I have an extensive background in treating individuals, couples, & families. I've contributed to local & national articles on topics of relationships, families, self worth, & stress. I create a relational, connective space to help you tune into your resiliency & energy, to gain back the emotional stability you're seeking. I specialize in bringing families together, assisting you uncover barriers to rifts with one another, and helping you reconnect to a bonded unit. Hablo español!

Since 2011, I have worked with women at all stages of pregnancy and motherhood, including those who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss or complications, birth trauma, a NICU stay and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.

I am dedicated to providing support to parents and being a mom myself, I understand the joys and hardships!

I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and I have a BS in Psychology from Texas State University.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in the Austin area helping parents and children overcome emotional and behavioral challenges. Services are provided in-home and in the community.

I work with clients presenting with a variety of concerns, but work primarily with family history and attachment patterns showing up in the present. Many of my clients come in for current stressors, and find they also need help with developmental trauma.