Shelby Petro(She/Her/Hers)

Shelby Petro is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor located in Rhode Island. She helps adult clients of all ages work through a variety of concerns; and strives to look at mental health symptoms through a holistic lens. Many of Shelby's clients come in for support with: stress management, depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma symptoms, life transitions, and panic attacks. Shelby has advanced training in the area of trauma-informed approaches. Shelby is particularly passionate about serving both the LGBTQIA+ and the neurodiverse populations.

Shelby is trained in EMDR which is a structured therapy approach designed to have clients utilize bilateral stimulation methods (eye motion, tapping, buzzers, or audio) while focusing on the trauma memory. This is an evidenced-based approach that has shown to reduce intensity of trauma symptoms (flashbacks, triggers, avoidance, emotional dysregulation, flooding) associated with the distressing event. In session, Shelby prioritizes focusing on clients developing coping skills that are practical and effective. This approach supports client's ability to be resilient when faced with triggers both in and out of session.

When a client first comes in for the intake session, Shelby works with the client to identify not only what goals they have, but also the right approach for their individual needs. Shelby is dedicated to cultivating a therapeutic relationship that is both warm and collaborative.

Shelby Petro received their Master's of Science in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz in 2016. They currently hold active licenses in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Shelby has worked in many professional settings including but not limited to: outpatient therapy, community mental health, hospital, and support and stabilization services. She offers both telehealth and in person sessions for her clients.