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 12 years of clinical experience helping people navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. She has worked with individuals across Illinois, Iowa, Maine, and Missouri, bringing a strengths-based, empowerment-focused approach to each therapeutic relationship.

Shelly tailors care to the person in front of her, combining solution-focused strategies with evidence-informed techniques. Her practice draws on cognitive-behavioral principles, emotional freedom technique (EFT), mindfulness practices, and targeted trauma work, adapting interventions to match each client’s needs and goals. She emphasizes practical coping skills, clearer communication, and identifying personal strengths to support lasting change.

Clients can expect collaborative treatment planning, goal-oriented sessions, and a focus on resilience and self-discovery. Shelly explains that her LCSW credential reflects advanced training in clinical social work and psychotherapy, qualifying her to assess and treat a wide range of mental health concerns. She approaches therapy with respect, authenticity, and a commitment to helping people build more fulfilling, balanced lives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It is practical and skills-focused, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines skills training and emotional regulation techniques to help manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and reduce impulsive behaviors. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and acceptance strategies that support resilience, reduce rumination, and improve coping with stress and emotional distress.

Determining the right approach is a collaborative process. Shelly works with clients to clarify goals, assess what is and is not working, and adapt methods over time so the treatment fits the person’s needs, preferences, and life circumstances.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for scheduling and participation from different locations. These formats make it easier to maintain regular sessions around work, family, and other commitments while still working with licensed professionals focused on practical progress and emotional support.

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. License details are IL LCSW 149.017053 and ME LCSW LC15258.

In which languages does Shelly Flachs provide therapy?

Therapy is provided 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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