LCSW

Shelly Flachs , LCSW

Therapist in Illinois

Online therapy - get matched and start messaging.

About Shelly

Shelly Flachs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than a decade of experience supporting people through difficult life moments. She has worked with individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and other significant changes, bringing a strengths-based, solution-focused perspective to each therapeutic relationship. LCSW indicates advanced training in clinical social work and the ability to provide psychotherapy and care coordination in a clinical setting.

Shelly emphasizes empowerment and practical strategies, tailoring sessions to each person rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. Her work integrates cognitive-behavioral principles with emotional freedom technique and the Safe and Sound Protocol when appropriate, and she blends client-centered, solution-focused, trauma-focused, and mindfulness-informed methods to match the needs of the moment. This integrative approach is used to help clients clarify goals, build coping skills, and move toward greater resilience.

In session Shelly aims to create a respectful and positive space where individuals can explore their stories and identify realistic steps forward. She partners with clients to develop personalized plans, honoring their unique strengths and preferences while guiding them toward meaningful change and improved well-being.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and develop practical strategies to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and many common mood and behavior concerns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, focuses on building skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It can be especially helpful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and patterns of impulsive behavior.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy, or EFT, centers on understanding and reshaping emotional responses in relationships. It supports people who want to improve connection, communication, and emotional understanding with partners or family members.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Shelly collaborates with clients to determine which methods best align with their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts techniques as treatment progresses so the work remains responsive and collaborative.

Online therapy offers flexibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule or manage care from different locations. Licensed professionals can deliver these approaches effectively online, and the variety of communication options helps clients engage in the way that feels most comfortable and accessible.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Shelly Flachs have?

Shelly Flachs has 12 years of experience.

Is Shelly Flachs a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details are IL LCSW 149.017053 and ME LCSW LC15258.

In which languages does Shelly Flachs provide therapy?

Shelly Flachs provides therapy in English.

Where is Shelly Flachs located?

Shelly Flachs is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Shelly Flachs as my therapist?

You can work with Shelly Flachs through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Shelly Flachs work with international clients?

Shelly Flachs does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Shelly Flachs cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Iowa

Languages

English

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