Shelly Simpson, a licensed clinical social worker, is Ellenhorn’s director of Adaptive Mentalization-Based Integrative Treatment (AMBIT), a specialized system of care that supports clients and clinicians by promoting mentalization, reducing anxiety, and fostering cohesive, well-connected teams. Shelly, whose previous roles at Ellenhorn have included founding clinical director of Ellenhorn Los Angeles and team lead at Ellenhorn Boston, established Ellenhorn as the only accredited AMBIT training center in the United States and remains the country’s sole certified AMBIT trainer; she is supervised by the Anna Freud Centre in London, England.

Shelly earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas; a master’s degree from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas; and completed a postgraduate fellowship in psychodynamic theory at The Council on Recovery in Houston. She has also worked in management at The Menninger Clinic in Houston. Shelly is passionate about helping both clients and treatment teams strengthen their relationships, navigate multiple perspectives and manage relational anxiety. Her work is grounded in mentalization and deeply rooted in a relational approach.