Instructor Bio

Shelby Somers, LCSW (she/her) - Shelby is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey. She received her master’s in social work from Rutgers University. Shelby is a self-described “geeky therapist” who utilizes pop culture, games, and fandoms within her therapeutic approach. She has worked in a private practice setting for over five years. She has experience working with children, teens, and adults through traditional talk therapy and the use of EEG Neurofeedback. 

Shelby is an LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent affirming therapist with experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan. Shelby has spoken at several conventions within the field as well as more general anime conventions, where she has highlighted the connections between fandoms, identity, and their use in therapeutic settings. Shelby has also co-authored a chapter in Trauma Impacts: The Repercussions of Individual and Collective Trauma, discussing the use of table-top role-playing games in therapeutic settings.