What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.83
Average wait time
4.97
Bedside manner
4.96
“Shirley is attentive, very knowledgeable, encouraging and responds very quickly to messages. She has helped me so much already and I feel very supported.”
Robin B.February 26, 2026
“I am very happy with Shirley. She understands my complicated situation and gives me suggestions on how to move forward.
I would highly recommend her.”
Madeline R.Less than 1 year ago
About Shirley Azoulai
Focus areas
Anxiety
Depression
Social Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Therapy
Couples Therapy
Psychotherapy
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Emotionally Focused
Compassion Focused
Family / Marital
Dialectical (DBT)
Family Systems
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Shirley Azoulai
I am a clinically trained psychotherapist with credentials from the Columbia University School of Social Work. I am licensed by the State of New York as an LCSW and am a member of The National Association of Social Workers. I continue to enhance my treatment capabilities with advanced education in Family Systems work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I also work with clients whose insurance allows members to go out of network where they receive significant reimbursement.
Professionally, I have established myself working in numerous settings with all age groups and cultural backgrounds. I have worked with clients in private practice, outpatient and hospital settings as well as in specialized agency practice.
In my private practice, I focus on families, couples and individuals providing guidance and counseling to improve one’s quality of life and build and elevate self-esteem. As a team we work together to develop coping skills, and create strategies for personal empowerment and the accomplishment of individual goals, and the goals we set together.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My clients often tell me that they have worked with other therapists in the past that did not understand them and expressed great relief that they have found their way to me. I am here for you and I'm ready to help. Whatever you are going through I believe I can offer you the guidance and understanding that you are searching for. I have years of experience working with people just like you who need to be heard and not judged, people who want change and results that will improve their lives. You will find that I am a perceptive and empathetic therapist who gets to the heart of the matter quickly.
I have great success making quick and strong connections. Clients have turned to me for help in countless areas of their lives regarding life issues and for help navigating the innumerable unexpected hurdles encountered along the twists and turns on life's journey. Together we make real progress and significantly improve your quality of life.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
When facing life's challenges one of the most gratifying feelings is finding someone who truly understands you, someone you can honestly connect with. In my years of practice, clients have found me to be someone they trust and engage with quickly and easily. I provide a safe empathetic environment, employing evidence based treatment modalities to provide coping strategies and self-empowerment.
My nonjudgmental solution focused approach to life's challenges has benefited many facing situations involving family issues, self fulfillment, trauma, stress, depression, anxiety and innumerable life stressors.
I believe each meeting should feel constructive and offer new skills to clients looking to improve their lives.
I work with all age groups and have extensive experience with individuals, couples and families facing the complexities of today's world.
I work towards building a true alliance with my clients creating a dynamic in which they never feel alone.
Acknowledging your uniqueness, my approach is customized to address your personal and distinctive goals. Ultimately as a team we achieve the best outcomes and through a dynamic process of interactive therapy and the development of effective coping skills, we achieve genuine insight, balance and true self empowerment.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
More information on payments and coverage
Although I do not directly accept insurance, I can provide you with the necessary documentation to submit for out of network reimbursement.
Office location
Shirley Azoulai, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Columbia University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
- Columbia University, Barnard College (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
NPI number
1275078248
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.83
Wait time
4.97
Bedside manner
4.96
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
80 reviews
Most relevant
Best therapist I ever had! Really listens well and always knows how to help. Truly empathetic and knowledgeable.
More than 1 year agoMA
She is amazing! Very helpful and wonderful at what she does. There is NOBODY better.
August 4, 2021Marissa B.Verified patient
I can’t recommend Shirley enough. She is amazing!!
March 20, 2025Anne R.Verified patient
Shirley is attentive, very knowledgeable, encouraging and responds very quickly to messages. She has helped me so much already and I feel very supported.
February 26, 2026Robin B.Verified patient
I am very happy with Shirley. She understands my complicated situation and gives me suggestions on how to move forward.
I would highly recommend her.
Less than 1 year agoMadeline R.Verified patient
This doctor was able to work with my schedule and hers and was able to listen to what I had to say. ?? Even when I was all over the place she was able to communicate. ?
January 25, 2025Sherrilee B.Verified patient
I have been working with Shirley for over four (4) months: she is simply terrific. Shirley fosters a calm and safe atmosphere where one can feel at ease, able to speak about any issue, no matter how emotionally troubling or confusing. She listens attentively, asks meaningful questions, and always offers insight that goes the heart of personal challenges. Your sessions with Shirley will leave you believing that you have met with a wise therapist, a terrific friend, and an invaluable source of guidance and support.
October 28, 2024noah S.Verified patient
I can't express enough how transformative our experience with Shirley has been for my wife and me. From our very first session, it was clear that we had found a safe haven in their office—a truly non-judgmental space where open communication is not only encouraged but thrives.
Thanks to Shirley, we are not just surviving but thriving as a couple. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone seeking couples therapy. Our journey with her has been nothing short of life-changing, and we are so grateful for her guidance.
October 27, 2024Akshay K.Verified patient
My husband and I went to see Shirley as a last effort for something that I felt was completely broken but by the end of just seeing her 1 time we both left there feeling like there was hope. Shirley was able to relate to both of us help us see each other's pain and points of views without making anyone feel wrong. She is by far the best decision we ever made and has saved our marriage. I know for a fact that without seeing her we will not be where we are today. She takes the time to learn and understand you without passing any judgment.
You leave her office with tools that help you be a better you for yourself and for your marriage. My husband and I are so grateful to have found Shirley and will continue seeing her to help strengthen our marriage and to help us learn more about ourselves individually. I would highly recommend seeing Shirley if you have any thoughts of getting a divorce or if you just need someone to help you understand you. She can help you get through anything!
August 2, 2024Initials hidden
Shirley has been very welcoming and very kind. It’s always great having conversations with her. I would highly recommend booking a appointment with Shirley.
February 21, 2024Alex S.Verified patient
Dr. Shirley is amazing! I am so grateful to have found her. She creates such a safe space and free of judgement for me to express myself and open up about my struggles. From the start of meeting her, which is now about a year ago, she showed such great perception and was able to offer guidance right away. She's been right by my side on the road to improvement and I feel that she truly cares about my well being. She will even remember upcoming events I have and follow up with me on the day of to see how I am feeling. Without Dr. Shirley I don't think I would be thriving like I am today.
February 20, 2024Alyssa M.Verified patient
Shirley is a great listener who pays close attention to truly what is bothering you. She is honest about her advice and will help you do what is best for you vs. just saying things to make you feel better. She is so empathetic that letting your heart and thoughts out to her feels very safe. She encourages us to be hopeful which is crucial when dealing with an emotional turmoil. I appreciate her good memory because retelling things that have hurt you can be very upsetting and can sometimes hold back your progress. Shirley has good values but tries hard to understand your value system if you come from a different background and culture. I highly recommend her. Thank you for saving our family and sanity.
August 15, 2023Initials hidden
Warm and comfortable environment
July 19, 2023Desiree C.Verified patient
I felt immediately at ease with Shirley. She is friendly, easy to talk to and truly seemed to understand what I have been going through. Her insights were impressive and her compassion and dedication to helping others was immediately apparent. Her office is lovely and she made me feel so at home, she even offers waters and candy. I have another appointment with her and feel I have already established a solid relationship with her. I wish I had found Shirley earlier in my life.
March 8, 2023Diane F.Verified patient
I have been seeing Shirley for a while now and I find her to be a superb psychotherapist who is gentle, highly empathetic, extremely smart, and incisive. I have worked with other therapists in the past but have not been able to find the right fit and connection until I started working with Shirley. She makes her patients feel truly understood and heard and makes them feel special with her kindness and warmth. Shirley has helped me with my marriage, with parenting concerns and in general has helped me to embrace important coping skills that have really helped me with anxiety. I feel very lucky that I found her and highly recommend her. Her office is also very tranquil and conducive to relaxing and feeling safe.
February 24, 2023Lester C.Verified patient
I have done therapy in the past and was unfortunately ghosted by my therapist and with Shirley that is completely the opposite she is open and caring and you can tell she genuinely cares about you and her job.it felt very natural to open up to her and would very highly recommend her
February 16, 2023Scott C.Verified patient
Shirley is the kindest, most compassionate and most enlightening therapist you could find. With every visit I will walk away having learned something new to help get me through whatever life decides to throw at me. Shirley was a shining light in person and virtually during the pandemic. You will never find a better therapist than Shirley. I wish there was an option to give more than 5 stars!
January 30, 2023Helen B.Verified patient
This was my first session with a therapist. I was very nervous, but Shirley made me feel very comfortable. Her office is beautiful and she makes you feel at home. After our first session, I am very hopeful that I can begin to work through some things I've been dealing with. We scheduled a follow up appointment, and I am excited to learn and grow with Shirleys help.
January 19, 2023Kapri C.Verified patient
Situations that seem impossible to navigate and remain in one piece have become manageable with Shirley's counseling. I initially sought her guidance after my father received a terrible health diagnosis. She is the perfect balance of empathetic and constructive. Ultimately Shirley helped me address and improve other areas of my life such as my relationship, ability to cope, even work. She is always 100% present and focused on helping me. I cannot say enough kind words - her counseling is invaluable.
More than 1 year agoLO
Dr. Azoulai has been very helpful to me in figuring out challenges in my life. I strongly recommend contacting her if you are having issues.
More than 1 year agoJP
I think you are lucky to find Shirley Azoulai if you are looking for counseling services. I highly recommend her to anyone who is facing challenges in life. I started working with Shirley about 6 months ago. After the first several sessions seeing her alone, my husband joined the session to restore the marriage and talk about the family dynamics. Ever since, she has been very supportive, compassionate, and great listener. From the first session, I immediately felt that she was the most honest, empathetic and connected therapist I have ever met. Now, I feel like I have known her my entire life. Her caring and sensitive approach towards our feelings and emotions, or anything arose in between sessions, transformed us to look at each other the more positive side of things and rebuild better communication skills. She offers very helpful guidance and suggestions too. If you feel stuck, do not wait for any longer. Just talk to her.
More than 1 year agoBM
Great.
October 16, 2021Shauky M.Verified patient
The best I’ve have ever experienced after having conversations with another therapist this therapist was the best. Thank you for your time.
September 25, 2021Eddie G.Verified patient
I highly recommend Shirley! At my first session I was extremely nervous because it was my first session having couples’ therapy, and my nerves were calmed. I felt safe and I felt heard. She is very perceptive and understanding with the various issues discussed. My partner felt so happy with the session as they found a safe place as well to express feelings and issues. Don’t hesitate to see Shirley honestly. She has a great heart, very empathetic, and very understanding. There was no judgement at all. The actual place felt homey. I felt a big weight lifted off my shoulders after first session feeling like I finally found someone who is willing to help and understand the issues that life throws at me.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Great experience. Very professional. I only had one session so far and she is already opening my eyes to some realizations. Already booked my next session.
July 1, 2021Bryan L.Verified patient
Kind, empathetic therapist. Worked wonders with my young daughter and helped restore her self-esteem and social confidence. Interacts so well with parents and children. Plan to work with her again any time the need should arise.
More than 1 year agoJB
Shirley is a wonderful therapist who I found to be instantly likeable and very easy to open up to. She is perceptive and calming and has given me the tools to comfortably navigate life's more difficult moments. She is flexible with her scheduling and always available to help. Whether virtual or in person, I look forward to all of my sessions with Shirley!
More than 1 year agoKG
Shirley is a gem! My partner and I started seeing her to address communication issues in our relationship. She is a great listener, and really spends time getting to know the couple's dynamic and each person's history. In our case, she has been able to hone in on the original issues we were hoping to address, as well as dig deeper and get to the heart of more subconscious matters that play a part in our relationship. To that end, she is very perceptive, which helps my partner and I to explore things we may have not otherwise thought about. Shirley's warm and compassionate personality and definitely helped me feel safe and comfortable in our interactions. Her guidance has been invaluable to our relationship, and my partner and I have made a lot of progress since we started working with Shirley. I highly recommend her!
More than 1 year agoKA
My wife and I found Shirley while planning our wedding, during covid and trying to navigate this new world we all find ourselves in. While I wasn't thrilled with the idea of therapy, my new wife and I thought it would be helpful in dealing with the sudden communication issues we found ourselves dealing with. Shirley has been so wonderful, understanding and compassionate. She is equipping us with new tools to deal with stress and refocus and re-prioritize our relationship. We consider ourselves very lucky to have found her, and couldn't recommend her more, to any person or couple who finds themselves needing a little help in dealing with all the exciting adventures life has to offer.
More than 1 year agoSS
Shirley has been so incredibly helpful to me since I began seeing her in September. As my first therapist, she made this new experience very easy to get used to and see the full benefits of spending time with her. She shows the utmost compassion, empathy and care for whatever it is that troubles me, and gives great advice to best manage these difficulties. She really is such a genuine and kind-hearted person. When things are good, she is also very helpful by spending time discussing the positives or any other topic that arises. Outside of her skills and demeanor, Shirley is very accommodating and makes it clear that she is available to help outside of scheduled sessions with her. I would highly recommend Shirley to anyone who is seeking therapy and counseling services.
More than 1 year agoMK
Shirley's counsel and perspective has been invaluable. She is straightforward and honest, as well as professional, empathetic, and kind. If you are looking for someone to work with, I can't recommend her enough.
More than 1 year agoDW
For years I've been holding onto the past and trying to make sense of it. Shirley has given me so much clarity on my past and has helped me move forward.
More than 1 year agoMA
I wasn't sure what to expect since it was going to be my first time in a therapeutic session. Shirley Azoulai has been nothing but amazing. She made me feel completely at ease discussing anything that was on my mind, and being able to let my guard down and express difficult emotions was a huge relief. Getting her feedback has shown me another aspect that I never noticed in myself before and she explained my difficulties with such calm and caring manner. We always have insightful conversations. Her patience, understanding and guidance have enabled me to be more confident with myself and allowed me to respect myself more. She is so caring and flexible and understanding. The environment is also very relaxing and comforting. I would definitely recommend Life Quest Pursuits Counseling. Shirley Azoulai is a wonderful therapist and I am very glad to know she is there if I need any future help. Thank you!
More than 1 year agoMJ
Shirley forms meaningful relationships and provides a trusted environment for you to express your true self. She is the epitome of a judgement free zone and awlays makes me feel understood. Her empathy is unmatched!
More than 1 year agoRH
Shirley has an uncanny ability to listen, understand, and interpret the issues at hand very quickly with her clients. She offers very insightful advice and she's not afraid to hold clients accountable for their actions in order to ensure the progress. Her professional guidance has been very valuable and she is one of the best in her field.
More than 1 year agoPR
Shirley is very helpful with identifying and dealing with my depression. She is very understanding and gets to the root of the problems quickly. I highly recommend her services.
More than 1 year agoJC
I feel extremely comfortable coming to our sessions. Shirley is very kind, compassionate and understanding. I enjoy every visit.
More than 1 year agoJD
Our therapist is so caring & accommodating. She works so well with our son & has made such progress with him. She has made such a positive effect in his behavior and ability.
More than 1 year agoCA
The therapist was well prepared and eager to begin the session. She was very patient and kind and made us feel at ease. I am very impressed with her ability and her professionalism. It's wonderful to have such an excellent therapist to work with.
More than 1 year agoML
Visits have been very detailed and enjoyable. Shirley has been nothing but amazing. I learned a lot about myself through simple and calm conversations. She gives terrific feedback and can explain them very well. Environment is great and relaxing. Highly recommended!
More than 1 year agoMJ
Very informative and helpful. Ms. Azoulai could relate to my problem in a very understanding and professional way, and discussed several alternative ways to help with my problem.
More than 1 year agoAG
I never thought that talking to someone could help me. She was extremely helpful with helping me to relax and get through life. Her knowledge of DBT is very insightful.
More than 1 year agoJS
Shirley is a devoted and talented therapist. She has helped through some really difficult times and has guided me well and compassionately.
More than 1 year agoCP
I was very pleased with my overall experience with Shirly Azoulai. She is an involved, insightful professional with extreamly helpful advise.
More than 1 year agoCR
Compassionate, devoted, very well skilled, made a big difference in my life. I am so glad I found her. Highly recommend Shirley Azoulai.
More than 1 year agoEG
Very helpful and engaging.
More than 1 year agoBB
Friendly, warm environment. Great therapist!
More than 1 year agoAB
Shirley Azoulai is a wonderful therapist. She is a great listener and works with patients to help them find solutions to challenging issues. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a terrific therapist!
More than 1 year agoVT
I have been seeing Shirley for some very serious issues and she has helped me to change my life. I have learned many life skills in my sessions. She is the best therapist I have been to over the years. I highly recommend her.
More than 1 year agoSN
I have been to many therapists and no one has ever understood the way Shirley does. I connected with her right away and know that I am finally with the right therapist.
More than 1 year agoAC
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How soon can I make an appointment with Shirley Azoulai?
Generally, Shirley Azoulai has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Shirley Azoulai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Shirley Azoulai accepting new patients?
Shirley Azoulai generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Shirley Azoulai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Shirley Azoulai accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Shirley Azoulai is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Shirley Azoulai online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Shirley Azoulai using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Shirley Azoulai work with?
Shirley Azoulai works with Life Quest Pursuits Counseling.
Where is Shirley Azoulai's office located?
Shirley Azoulai has 2 office locations in Chappaqua, view full addresses on Shirley Azoulai's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Shirley Azoulai?
Shirley Azoulai frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Shirley Azoulai on their profile.
What languages does Shirley Azoulai speak?
Shirley Azoulai speaks English.
How do patients rate Shirley Azoulai in reviews?
80 patients have reviewed Shirley Azoulai. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.83/5. They have a 4.96/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.97/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.