Todd Shirley, LPC – From Crisis to Connection: Supporting Teens Through Struggle

SUMMARY:

In this episode of TLC Connections, Todd Shirley, school counselor and licensed professional counselor, shares how a series of tragedies and professional curiosity led him to discover Attachment-Based Family Therapy.

When multiple student suicides rocked his school community, Todd was determined to find tools that could truly support students and their families in crisis. He describes how this therapeutic approach helps rebuild connection and trust between adolescents and parents, sometimes making the difference between despair and healing.

Todd also reflects on his dual experience in public schools and private practice, offering thoughtful insights on the real-world impact of school-based mental health work. With warmth, humility, and a deep commitment to supporting young people, Todd’s story and perspective are powerful reminders of the difference one caring adult can make.

GUEST BIO:

Todd Shirley, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and veteran school counselor with over 17 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. He currently works in a Pennsylvania public school district and also maintains a private counseling practice where he specializes in Attachment-Based Family Therapy. Known for his ability to merge research-driven strategies with deep empathy, Todd is passionate about bridging the gap between school systems and mental health care. Whether working one-on-one with teens or supporting families through difficult seasons, Todd’s work is grounded in the belief that connection and compassion can be transformative.

Connect with Todd at: toddshirleycounseling.com

SPONSORS:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia Area and operating in multiple states. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing K-12 education, behavioral health care, outpatient therapy, wellness coaching, professional development, and grant management services.