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Shelley Akerman

Shelley Akerman

Therapist · Georgia

Practical, down-to-earth counseling for life challenges

  • Friendly and direct
  • Goal oriented
  • Practical solutions

About Shelley

Shelley Akerman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Georgia with 11 years of clinical experience. She earned a master’s degree and has worked across outpatient and hospital settings. Shelley focuses on practical progress and meeting people where they are.

Her approach is down-to-earth and friendly. She aims to create a space where people feel respected and heard. Sessions emphasize straightforward problem solving and creative, real-world options rather than jargon or long lectures.

Shelley helps with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, and relationship concerns. She also supports people facing parenting strains, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, body image and self-esteem struggles, ADHD, and LGBTQ issues. Financial and money-related stress is among the practical concerns she addresses.

Therapy sessions often mix client-centered conversation with tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Shelley may use motivational interviewing and narrative techniques when those fit a person’s goals. The work usually focuses on small, manageable changes and clearer daily choices.

People who prefer a relaxed, collaborative style tend to do well with her. Shelley emphasizes pacing that fits each person and looks for solutions that match real life. She will help set goals and check progress along the way.

How therapy approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person’s experience. The therapist follows the client’s lead, reflects what they say, and supports them in finding their own answers; this helps with confidence, self-esteem, and relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts shape feelings and actions. It uses clear, practical exercises and small behavioral steps to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Shelley works collaboratively to pick methods that fit a person’s goals, pace, and preferences. She checks in about what helps and adjusts the plan as needed so work in sessions feels useful.

Confirm which session formats are available before booking because the biography does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and reduce travel. Many people find remote sessions help them keep momentum between busy days and apply new skills in real situations.

Areas of focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionAddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
AbandonmentBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shelley commonly address?

Shelley works with many issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, and relationship concerns. She also focuses on parenting strain, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, body image, ADHD, and LGBTQ matters.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is down-to-earth, laid back, and friendly. Sessions emphasize practical, creative solutions and straightforward conversation rather than clinical jargon.

How much experience does she have?

Shelley has 11 years of experience working in outpatient and hospital settings. That experience includes supporting people with a wide range of concerns across the lifespan.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, licensed in Georgia and works from that region.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and she also accepts international clients.

What session formats are offered?

Confirm current session options before booking since the biography does not list specific formats. Please check available formats when you schedule.

How does billing and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the match and local factors.

How do I begin working with Shelley?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

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