Shelly Flachs , LCSW

Shelly Flachs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with 12 years of clinical experience supporting people through depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and a wide range of life transitions. She approaches therapy with an emphasis on empowerment and practical solutions, helping clients identify strengths and build personalized strategies for change. Shelly integrates evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally-focused techniques, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to tailor care to each person’s needs and goals.

Her work often focuses on stress management, trauma and abuse recovery, mood disorders including bipolar disorder and depression, addictions, and challenges related to intimacy, parenting, and caregiving. Shelly also supports individuals facing issues like ADHD, body image concerns, codependency, career stress, and compassion fatigue. She prioritizes a respectful, collaborative environment where clients can explore their stories and co-create realistic plans for moving forward.

Shelly centers each session on practical skill building, emotional processing, and strengthening relationships, combining clinical knowledge with a compassionate, client-centered stance. Her aim is to guide people toward greater resilience, clearer direction, and improved daily functioning while honoring each person’s unique experience and values.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Growth

Shelly draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and emotionally-focused therapy to address a wide range of concerns. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help with intense emotions and relationship challenges. Emotionally-focused therapy helps people recognize and reshape emotional responses in close relationships, supporting healing after attachment wounds and improving intimacy.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the collaborative process. Shelly works with each person to assess their needs, goals, and preferences, and will adapt techniques over time so the plan fits the client’s life and progress.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and practice new skills between sessions with the support of a licensed professional or therapist.