Shirley Ikenze, LCSW
Compassionate California LCSW for life transitions
- Trauma and grief support
- Client-centered care
- Mindfulness and motivation
About Shirley Ikenze
Shirley Ikenze is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California who offers compassionate support for people navigating stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and transitions in relationships and life circumstances. She approaches each person with the belief that individuals are the experts of their own stories and that their existing strengths are central to overcoming the challenges they face. Shirley emphasizes encouragement and empowerment, honoring the courage it takes to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to begin the work of change.
Her clinical stance is rooted in respect for each client’s values and experiences, including a personal faith in the Almighty that she does not politicize; she affirms that faith may be a resource for some clients while remaining professionally neutral and nonextremist in practice. Shirley often draws on client-centered principles along with mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative approaches, and solution-focused strategies to help clients move toward their goals. She also addresses issues related to abandonment, adoption and foster care, blended families, caregiving stress, codependency, divorce and separation, family of origin concerns, end-of-life matters, and other complex life stressors.
Shirley includes a spiritual perspective when it is helpful and sometimes references passages that guide her values, for example 2 Corinthians 1:4: He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. She is licensed in California as an LCSW, license number CA LCSW 25539, and provides clear information about professional licensing and the oversight of the Board of Behavioral Sciences. The Board receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice for clinical social workers; more information is available at www.bbs.ca.gov or by calling (916) 574-7830.
Those who choose to reach out are asked to provide identifying information as required by the California Board, including full name, address, phone number, and date of birth, in the message area when contacting her.
Her clinical stance is rooted in respect for each client’s values and experiences, including a personal faith in the Almighty that she does not politicize; she affirms that faith may be a resource for some clients while remaining professionally neutral and nonextremist in practice. Shirley often draws on client-centered principles along with mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative approaches, and solution-focused strategies to help clients move toward their goals. She also addresses issues related to abandonment, adoption and foster care, blended families, caregiving stress, codependency, divorce and separation, family of origin concerns, end-of-life matters, and other complex life stressors.
Shirley includes a spiritual perspective when it is helpful and sometimes references passages that guide her values, for example 2 Corinthians 1:4: He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. She is licensed in California as an LCSW, license number CA LCSW 25539, and provides clear information about professional licensing and the oversight of the Board of Behavioral Sciences. The Board receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice for clinical social workers; more information is available at www.bbs.ca.gov or by calling (916) 574-7830.
Those who choose to reach out are asked to provide identifying information as required by the California Board, including full name, address, phone number, and date of birth, in the message area when contacting her.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Shirley Ikenze have?
Shirley Ikenze has 26 years of experience.
Is Shirley Ikenze a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: CA LCSW 25539.
In which languages does Shirley Ikenze provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Shirley Ikenze located?
She is located in California.
How can I work with Shirley Ikenze as my therapist?
You can work with Shirley Ikenze through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Shirley Ikenze work with international clients?
Shirley Ikenze does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Shirley Ikenze cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the Start Therapy button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the Start Therapy button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Work Well For You?
Many people ask whether online therapy can really help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and navigating life changes, online therapy has been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions for many clients.
A major benefit is scheduling flexibility - clients can connect in the way that feels most comfortable, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. That range of options makes it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to maintain continuity of care when schedules or circumstances change.
Licensed professionals and therapists provide these services, and if someone wishes to seek a different fit they can switch to another therapist at any time.