Our Mission

Welcome to Gentle Giants Therapy and Consulting Center, a place where healing, growth, and positive change are nurtured with compassion and care. Founded by Shelby Opel, LCSW, our center is dedicated to providing accessible and attainable mental health services to individuals, families, and children navigating life's challenges. At Gentle Giants, we believe that everyone deserves the support they need to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our mission is to foster resilience, strengthen family connections, and guide our clients toward achieving their fullest potential through evidence-based therapeutic practices tailored to each unique need.

Shelby Opel, the heart and soul behind Gentle Giants, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) with extensive experience in child welfare, trauma, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics. Her commitment to making mental health care accessible has been a driving force in creating a practice that meets clients where they are—offering therapy, evaluations, and consultation services that prioritize both care and convenience. Shelby's compassionate approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face, and she works alongside clients to help them heal, grow, and thrive.

In addition to therapy, Gentle Giants offers consultation services for individuals, families, and professionals seeking expert guidance. Whether you’re navigating complex family dynamics, working through challenging cases in family court, or looking for advice on trauma-informed approaches, our consultation services provide valuable insight and support. Shelby, with her background in child welfare, family court evaluations, and crisis intervention, brings a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate these sensitive areas. Our goal is to ensure that clients and professionals alike have access to the tools and understanding they need to make informed decisions and create lasting, positive change.