Shelby Kruse

Mental health has played a significant role in my life as I have dealt with anxiety-related disorders since adolescence. I always knew that I would choose a profession focused on healing and being a therapist has allowed me to integrate my education and lived experience to empower others to reclaim their lives. There is healing in that process, and it is unbelievably rewarding to witness.

I have worked as a clinical therapist as a generalist, treating a spectrum of diagnoses. I completed a training on Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy and it was unlike any other modality I had utilized with such notable outcomes for folks who struggle with OCD and anxiety.

I have six years of experience working within the acute care setting in which I provided clinical intervention for life-threatening illnesses, death/dying, substance abuse, traumatic injuries, suicidality and self-harm, and adjustment issues. I completed my second-year graduate internship in the hospital setting and was exposed to a multitude of physical and mental health diagnoses and the intersectionality of the two which I found interesting.

We are going to be intentionally challenging your fears and leaning into uncertainty. This might feel scary, especially if you cannot remember a life without OCD. But if you are willing to try it out and withstand the discomfort, you can expect to see some really profound and positive changes in your life.

It seems fair that you might initially be afraid to share some of your thoughts with me. It’s important to know that (1) we all have intrusive thoughts; and (2) there will never be a time during our work together that the thoughts you share will carry judgment.