What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.00
Average wait time
4.75
Bedside manner
4.25
“Dr. Shelley is great. I have tried lots of therapists and Shelley is the first that I really click with. She is kind, patient, and knowledgeable. Very happy with my sessions. ”
KBLess than 1 year ago
“I’m still a new patient, but so far I’m amazed at what a oleaan life-altering journey it’s been with Dr. Marfori. I chose her in part for her profile because I was ready for unconventional approach to tackle my conventional (and otherwise) challenges. Her bedside manner has been fine, She’s flexed her schedule for me many times so I’m happy to slide mine a bu for her. For those serious about resolving (not just contemplating) life’s aches and angst, shes a potent ally to have in your corner.”
JVLess than 1 year ago
About Dr. Shelley Marfori
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Identity
Gender
Non-binarySexuality
PansexualFaith
NonreligiousEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Shelley Marfori
I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, before earning my B.A. from the University of South Carolina and my Psy. D. from George Washington University, where I was dually enrolled in GWU’s LGBTQ Health and Policy Program. After graduating, I worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Therapy Group DC. As a doctoral student, I worked at The Center Clinic, helping socioeconomically-challenged patients from all walks of life. I completed my APA accredited internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago where I worked at UIC’s Student Counseling Office, which serves one of the most diverse student bodies in the country. My experience has helped me provide care for LBGTQIA+ community members, BIPOC patients, trauma survivors, and anyone looking to find ways of transcending pain to live fulfilling lives.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community (Bisexual, Questioning, Fluid), a trauma survivor, and someone with a chronic pain disorder, I approach the work that I do from a place of empathy and personal understanding. I have an intense passion for understanding personal identity and the way race, culture, class, and sexuality come together to form what we believe about ourselves and what we feel we can accomplish in our lives personally and professionally. It is my belief that our identities, both what we show the world and who we are on the inside, are a mosaic of memory and experience that begins in early childhood and continues throughout our lives. In a therapeutic relationship, we can uncover the patterns of behavior that are a result of these experiences while we differentiate between behaviors that serve us and behaviors that hinder us. Oppression and racial injustice shape our internal and external world and I believe addressing and speaking to differences is a powerful tool to help anyone seeking counseling. Through the power of connection and communication, we can heal old wounds and face moments of pain together as we seek to accomplish any goals you may have set for yourself when you decided to seek therapy.
My educational background is steeped in psychodynamic theory, identifying patterns from childhood, and working to break through harmful paradigms. However, I am dedicated to meeting my clients where they are, and I can bring a number of therapeutic modalities into our sessions, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Based Approaches, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). These varied interventions have proven invaluable to my psychotherapeutic work and have shown me the importance of a flexible, multidisciplinary approach.
I am married to my partner Elizabeth, and we live in DuPont Circle with our three cats, Lenin, George, and Indy, and my service dog, Arrow. Arrow is a standard poodle who was extensively trained to help me with intermittent chronic pain, joint instability, and adrenal function. He provides deep pressure therapy (not unlike a weighted blanket) and is attuned to me and what’s going on inside of my body, which allows me to pay more attention to my patients and focus less on what’s going on internally. With attunement to me comes attunement to others, and often, when patients are feeling an intense emotional experience, Arrow will seek to comfort them (always asking permission first!) He is very open to responding to other people asking for help, and his presence is calming, allowing them to feel safer and more open to discussing difficult topics.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Our office ONLY ACCEPTS CIGNA AND AETNA PPO PLANS. All other insurance plans will be considered Out-of-Network. Fee for Out-of-Network Booking: $275 per session
Dr. Shelley Marfori can provide Superbills for your Out-of-Network claims which you can submit to your insurance company for a partial reimbursement.
Please call our office prior to booking if there are any questions regarding insurance coverage.
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In-network insurances
Dr. Shelley Marfori has +38 in-network plans.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $300 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $275 for 45 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
Our office ONLY ACCEPTS CIGNA AND AETNA PPO PLANS. All other insurance plans will be considered Out-of-Network. Fee for Out-of-Network Booking: $275 per session
Dr. Shelley Marfori can provide Superbills for your Out-of-Network claims which you can submit to your insurance company for a partial reimbursement.
Please call our office prior to booking if there are any questions regarding insurance coverage.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- George Washington University, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- University of South Carolina (Bachelor's)
- University of Illinois, Chicago (Internship)
NPI number
1649982687
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.00
Wait time
4.75
Bedside manner
4.25
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
11 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Shelley is great. I have tried lots of therapists and Shelley is the first that I really click with. She is kind, patient, and knowledgeable. Very happy with my sessions.
Less than 1 year agoKB
I’m still a new patient, but so far I’m amazed at what a oleaan life-altering journey it’s been with Dr. Marfori. I chose her in part for her profile because I was ready for unconventional approach to tackle my conventional (and otherwise) challenges. Her bedside manner has been fine, She’s flexed her schedule for me many times so I’m happy to slide mine a bu for her. For those serious about resolving (not just contemplating) life’s aches and angst, shes a potent ally to have in your corner.
Less than 1 year agoJV
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January 15, 2026Claire B.Verified patientVideo visit
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Shelley Marfori?
Generally, Dr. Shelley Marfori has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Marfori's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Shelley Marfori accepting new patients?
Dr. Shelley Marfori generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Marfori's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Shelley Marfori accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Marfori is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Shelley Marfori online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Marfori using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Shelley Marfori work with?
Dr. Shelley Marfori works with Bold Expressions Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Shelley Marfori?
Dr. Shelley Marfori frequently sees patients for Depression, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Shelley Marfori on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Shelley Marfori speak?
Dr. Shelley Marfori speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Shelley Marfori in reviews?
11 patients have reviewed Dr. Shelley Marfori. The overall rating for this doctor is 4/5. They have a 4.25/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.75/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.