- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness tools
- Client-centered care
About Shelley
Shelley Akerman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia with 11 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on common concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief, and life transitions, and lists young adult issues among her focus areas.
Shelley trained at Mercer University, earning a master's degree before moving into both outpatient and hospital settings. That mix gave her experience with a wide range of problems and with people from many backgrounds. She has supported people facing trauma, addiction, domestic violence, and self-harm, alongside more everyday stresses like low self-esteem and feeling stuck.
Her style is down-to-earth and relaxed. Sessions are straightforward and practical. Shelley prefers to work with clients on concrete goals and steps, using approaches that help someone see what they can do next rather than only talking about feelings.
She uses several established approaches to guide sessions, including client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and narrative methods. Those tools let her combine short-term coping skills with deeper reflection about personal stories and patterns.
For younger adults, Shelley often focuses on transitions such as leaving home, starting work or school, relationship changes, and identity questions. She helps people break big problems into smaller steps and build habits that fit real life.
Clients who choose Shelley can expect a collaborative, practical way of working. She asks about goals, offers clear options, and checks in on progress so the work stays relevant and manageable.
How Shelley uses therapeutic approaches in online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting. The therapist follows the client's concerns and priorities, helping the person name goals and make decisions that fit their life. This approach is useful for people who want a collaborative, respectful space to sort things out.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It offers specific exercises and experiments to test unhelpful beliefs and build different habits. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress when someone wants clear strategies to reduce symptoms.
Mindfulness therapy teaches attention and present-moment awareness. Simple practices can reduce rumination and improve emotion regulation, which helps with anxiety, stress, and coping with strong feelings.
Choosing the right mix of methods is part of the work. Shelley will discuss options with the client and decide together which approaches fit the person's goals and preferences. That collaborative planning helps keep sessions focused and practical.
The original biography does not list which online session formats are offered. Confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It also makes it possible to keep continuity during life transitions such as moving for school or work.
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 kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, ADHD, and related issues listed in her profile.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is down-to-earth and practical. She focuses on clear goals, actionable steps, and combining coping skills with reflective work.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Shelley has 11 years of experience working as a counselor in outpatient and hospital settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with licensure in Georgia and practices from that state.
Are sessions offered in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
Which session formats are used?
The original biography did not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to start?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.