Shelly Flachs , LCSW

Shelly Flachs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with 12 years of experience supporting people through challenging life moments. She focuses on empowering clients by identifying strengths, setting practical goals, and tailoring therapeutic work to each person’s needs. Drawing on evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, she blends skill-building with empathic exploration to address symptoms and improve everyday functioning.

Shelly works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, LGBT issues, relationship and family difficulties, intimacy-related concerns, eating and sleeping problems, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem, career transitions, and compassion fatigue. She also supports people facing ADHD, abandonment and attachment issues, caregiving strain, chronic illness and pain, codependency, and other personality and communication challenges. Her practice emphasizes respect, collaboration, and practical strategies that fit the realities of each client’s life.

As an LCSW, Shelly holds a clinical social work license and brings both clinical training and lived experience-informed compassion to her work. She aims to create a collaborative environment where clients can explore their stories, build coping skills, and move toward clearer goals at a pace that feels right for them.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Shelly commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness Therapy in her work. CBT helps people identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. DBT focuses on building skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be helpful for intense emotions and relationship challenges. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance as tools to reduce rumination and improve coping with chronic stress and mood fluctuations.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Shelly, as a licensed professional, works with each person to clarify goals, consider preferences, and try methods that fit their needs, adjusting strategies over time in partnership with the client and other therapists when appropriate.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access consistent support from different locations. These formats allow therapists to teach CBT exercises, coach DBT skills, and guide mindfulness practices in ways that align with a client's daily routine and pace.