Grace Shelby, PhD

As a pediatric psychologist, I am honored to provide psychological treatment services for children, adolescents and young adults with diverse needs. These needs include anxiety, adjustment issues, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and various chronic medical conditions.

One of my greatest passions is connecting with others through positive, respectful and accepting therapeutic partnerships in a welcoming atmosphere. I enjoy actively and collaboratively working to enhance self-understanding and to identify tools tailored to each patient’s and family’s context and needs.

Everyone has unique resourcefulness and resilience that allows them to experience change and intentionally move toward their goals. I work with individuals and their families to strengthen confidence, increase motivation for change and foster hopefulness for the future by identifying patterns, problem-solving, plans and possibilities. Recognizing the power of skills in giving us hope for growth and change, I emphasize evidence-based strategies and teach skills in a flexible and encouraging manner.

As a child, I dreamed of being a teacher and author, and in my teen years, a series of experiences piqued my interest in a career in pediatrics. Ultimately, I would pursue a pediatric specialty but not in traditional medicine. While not in the classroom, I teach through skill building in therapy provided in the pediatric hospital setting. Much like an author, I hear and share in developing stories of movement through life’s moments, on to new chapters and overcoming in the face of adversity.

In my undergraduate years, I learned of the exciting and relatively young field of pediatric psychology, which would allow me to holistically address the interplay of emotional and physical wellness in the therapy process. I was grateful for the strong graduate study mentorship and specialized training I received to become well-versed in cognitive-behavioral and associated strategies. Having this background and approach both clinically and in research is key in helping patients and families reach their goals.

Each day my early interests and experiences combine in my role as a pediatric psychologist, and I treasure the opportunity to serve patients and their families in this way. All of this is a dream come true for me. I continue to find it highly rewarding to be a part of each person’s unique path, and I cherish the privilege of helping others navigate challenges and experience positive improvements in the quality of their lives.