Meet Shelby
I’m Shelby Castile, M.A., LMFT, a psychotherapist with more than two decades of experience helping adults and couples navigate anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, perfectionism, and major life transitions.
I work with a diverse range of clients, including high-achieving individuals, entrepreneurs, athletes, public-facing individuals, and couples who may be accustomed to functioning at a high level while privately feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or ready for something to change.
I hold both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from St. Mary’s College and offer private, personalized psychotherapy in Newport Beach and throughout California via secure telehealth.
“I highly recommend Shelby to my colleagues, as a fellow therapist and holistic health advocate.”
— Diana S.
My Approach
I believe meaningful, lasting change comes from understanding the whole person—not just the symptoms.
My approach is warm, grounded, and depth-oriented, integrating evidence-based modalities including EMDR, DBT, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic approaches. I tailor therapy to each individual, creating space to understand the patterns beneath the surface, process what’s holding you back, and develop greater clarity, resilience, and self-trust.
Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, or a major transition, therapy should feel both thoughtful and practical—a place where you can be honest, understood, and supported in creating meaningful change.
“Shelby is like a magnet for connecting people from all walks of life. The OC Shrinks community has been essential in starting my career and private practice in Newport Beach. ”
— Megan S.
Beyond the Therapy Room
In addition to my clinical practice, I’m the founder of OC Shrinks, a professional community created to connect, support, and strengthen the mental health professionals who serve our communities.
My work with both clients and colleagues is grounded in the same belief: we all benefit from having the right support, perspective, and space to grow.
Education, Licensure & Certification
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), MFC #43726
California
Professional Memberships & Leadership
Founder, OC Shrinks — A professional community supporting collaboration among Orange County therapists.
Board of Directors — CAST-OC (Couples and Sex Therapists of Orange County)
Clinical Member — California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Clinical Member — Orange County Chapter of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Clinical Member — IAEDP Orange County Chapter (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals)
Clinical Member — National Association of Professional Women
M.A., Psychology — Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, CA | 2001
B.S., Psychology — Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, CA | 1998
EMDR Level 1 Certified — The Institute for Creative Mindfulness | 2016
RYT-500, Advanced Yoga Teacher — Cloud Nine Yoga | 2009
Certified Birth Doula (CD) — Full Circle, Berkeley, CA | 1996
“I saw Shelby when my marriage was ending. I was angry and had many dark thoughts going through my head. Shelby was able to reach that place of trust that I needed to really open up. I found the sessions very low-key, but we had some tremendous breakthroughs. I shared thoughts with Shelby that I never revealed to anyone.”
— Mike P.
Media & Community Contributions
Shelby contributes to the mental health field through her writing, interviews, and thought leadership, with a focus on emotional well-being, self-awareness, and meaningful personal growth.
Voyage LA (2026): Interview highlighting Shelby’s journey as a therapist, entrepreneur, and founder of OC Shrinks, including the story behind building a community that connects and supports mental health professionals across Orange County.
Voyage LA (2025): Shelby shares her story, the values that guide her work, and why creating supportive spaces for therapists and clients matters so much. If you’ve ever wondered about the *why behind this work, here’s a glimpse.
Bold Journey (2024): Interview exploring Shelby’s evolution as a therapist.
Subkit Collaboration (2022): Feature on Shelby’s entrepreneurial journey in healthcare and the vision behind The OC Shrinks.
Shoutout LA (2021): Interview highlighting Shelby’s therapeutic work and approach.
Tips to Make Mindfulness Fun for Children (2017): Feature in Elephant Journal (1,397,620 reads)
Self-Love + Resolutions (2016): Feature in Elephant Journal (1,261,300 reads)
Her writing reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals better understand themselves, build healthier patterns, and feel more grounded in their lives.