

About
"I specialize in helping motivated women who are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, self-doubt and trauma to stop feeling overwhelmed and find peace, confidence and move past their trauma."
-Gabrielle Shirdon, LPC
Gabrielle Shirdon, LPC
Why I Became a Therapist
I became a therapist because I love helping people—and because I wanted to better understand myself, too. Like many others, I was searching for ways to feel happier and more at peace. When I became a parent, I wanted to give my children a better childhood than I had, but let’s be honest—there’s no guidebook for that!
Later in life, I earned my master’s degree in counseling, bringing both education and real-life experience to my work. I’ve been where you are, and through my own journey in therapy, I’ve found balance, healing, and a sense of peace.
One of the most powerful tools I’ve used is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. It has helped me process past trauma and let go of negative beliefs—and I’ve seen it do the same for so many clients.
My Expertise
With over 10 years of experience, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients, from children with severe behavioral challenges to adults struggling with substance abuse. The more I worked with people, the more I saw the deep impact of trauma—and I wanted to do something about it.
That led me to specialize in trauma therapy, learning everything I could about:
✔️ EMDR therapy (trained in 2018)
✔️ Dissociation and trauma treatment
✔️ Neurobiology & Epigenetics of trauma
✔️ Ego State Therapy (helping clients understand different parts of themselves that may be holding them back)
I’m committed to staying up-to-date with the best approaches to healing, so my clients get the most effective care possible.
What You Get from Therapy with Me
I bring my training and expertise into every session to help answer the big questions:
✅ Why am I like this?
✅ Have I really experienced trauma?
✅ I’ve tried talk therapy before—why didn’t it work?
✅ I’m on medication, but I still don’t feel the way I hoped I would.
Therapy with me feels different because I use a variety of tools to help both your mind and body heal. I see you as a whole person—not just a list of symptoms. I may also recommend alternative practitioners to address symptoms your doctor can’t fully explain.
I intentionally keep my therapy practice small to ensure that each client receives the highest level of personalized care. By maintaining a limited caseload, I can devote more time, attention, and energy to truly understanding your unique needs and challenges. This approach allows for deeper therapeutic connections, greater flexibility in scheduling, and a more responsive, tailored experience.
Ultimately, therapy is a partnership. What you get out of it depends on what you put in. While I can’t guarantee results, I can promise a safe, supportive space where we work together toward healing.
📞 I offer a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit—because finding the right therapist matters.
Credentials
May, 2014
MS, Counselor Education, Community Mental Health, McDaniel College, Westminster, MD.
January, 2018
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
March, 2020
EMDR Basic Training
January, 2023
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Certification
January, 2023
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation Professional Certificate
January, 2025
Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)