- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
About Shelley
Shelley Akerman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia with 11 years of clinical experience. She works with people dealing with anxiety and stress as well as many other concerns such as depression, grief, relationship conflict, trauma and addiction. Shelley uses clear, practical methods and focuses on helping people make manageable changes.
Shelley trained at Mercer University where she completed her master’s degree in 2013. Before moving into independent practice she worked in both outpatient and hospital settings. That background gave her frequent exposure to a wide range of concerns and life stages.
Her approach is down-to-earth and straightforward. Sessions tend to focus on problem solving, skills practice, and finding steps that can fit into everyday life. She draws on client-centered work to understand each person’s perspective and on cognitive behavioral strategies to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Mindfulness techniques and narrative methods also appear in sessions when helpful. Those tools are used to increase present-moment awareness and to reframe the stories people tell about themselves. Motivational interviewing helps when someone feels stuck or unsure about change.
Shelley has experience supporting people facing issues such as parenting strain, caregiver stress, chronic illness, body image concerns, and complications from substance use. She also works with clients navigating intimacy, communication problems, abandonment, and co-morbidity. English is the language she uses in sessions, and she accepts international clients.
Approaches used in online sessions and how they help
Client-centered work focuses on listening and understanding how you see things, which helps shape goals that matter to you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to change patterns that feed anxiety. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and build steady focus.Figuring out which approach fits best is part of the process. Shelley will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then decide together which methods to use. That collaborative step makes it easier to pick methods that feel doable and relevant.
Confirm the specific session formats Shelley currently offers before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online work can make scheduling easier, help fit therapy into a busy week, and allow for shorter check-ins or sessions that don’t require travel. It can also make it simpler to continue therapy when life circumstances change, while keeping the focus on the practical steps that help with anxiety, relationships, and everyday stress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
Georgia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
Shelley works with stress and anxiety and a wide range of related concerns including depression, grief, relationship conflict, trauma, addiction, parenting and caregiver stress.
How would she approach sessions?
Her style is down-to-earth and practical, using client-centered conversation alongside techniques like CBT and mindfulness to work on concrete steps and skills.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 11 years of experience working as a counselor in outpatient and hospital settings since completing her master’s degree in 2013.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
Shelley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Georgia.
Can I meet with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm the current session options before booking, as session formats are not specified here.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.