Hi, I'm Shay! (They/He)

  • Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) - Widener University, 2017

  • Master of Education in Human Sexuality (MEd) - Widener University, 2017

  • Licensed in PA & NY + PSYPACT Authorized to Provide Telehealth in Most States

Portrait of Psychologist Shay Selden, a Black, mixed race nonbinary transmasculine human, wearing an open long-sleeve flannel and white t-shirt underneath

Welcome to Selden Psych

I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides Culturally Affirmative Psychotherapy that helps to reframe unhelpful narratives. My approach is shaped by my own lived experience, as well as my specialized training and clinical work with marginalized and stigmatized communities.

My Clinical Experience and Training include working with:

  • Complex Trauma and Attachment

  • Multicultural Issues, Sexuality, and Gender

  • Neurodivergence, such as Autism, ADHD, PDA profiles, giftedness/twice-exceptionality (2e), and OCD

I primarily offer Long-Term, Open-Ended Psychotherapy for a wide range of experiences and concerns.

I also offer Brief, Time-Limited Psychotherapy (flexible depending on focus - between 4 and 24 sessions). Brief Psychotherapy may be used for:

  • Focused Exploration of Identity and community connection.

  • Life Transition Related Support

My Journey and Philosophy

I came to this field from many points of lived experience, having always felt a bit "too complicated" for the neat boxes the world tried to fit me into. Reflecting my love of precise language, I identify as a mixed-race, Black, AuDHD/neuroqueer, non-binary, transmasc human. These words have, and will likely continue to, change over time, but I’ve always been this person in one way or another.

My experiences have shown me that not everyone will "get it," but my journey to finding these words showed me that some people will. That kind of authentic connection to self and others is what drives my passion for working with folks on their own journeys of self-discovery and community connection.

Diagnosis as a Tool

My approach to diagnosis is deeply informed by my commitment to anti-oppressive practice and liberatory principles. I believe in understanding the impact of socio-political and cultural context on how we view and experience difference. Diagnoses have cultural context, and hold the power to be used oppressively. However, a diagnosis does not have to be a simple a label of pathology—it can be a powerful tool for self-understanding and positive identity development.

Positive identity development and community pride are invaluable protective factors against the negative effects of minority stress on well-being. By adopting an intersectional, socio-politically informed approach, diagnosis becomes less about "what's wrong" with you and more about contextualizing your experiences within a broader social framework. This allows for a more comprehensive and compassionate narrative of your experiences while also advocating for systemic changes that create more inclusive environments.

Working Together

It can be incredibly challenging to find a provider who truly understands and affirms you, especially one who may share some of your identities and experiences. As a clinician, I highly value the relationship and strive to see, understand, and affirm the many pieces that make you uniquely you, as well as the pieces that connect you to others.

I bring my values of transparency, authenticity, and collaboration into our work together. I view psychotherapy, as a chance to uncover and re-contextualize your life experiences as a team. This collaborative engagement helps ensure we prioritize a narrative that makes sense to you and captures the areas of strength and difference that are meaningful within your life.