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Shelly Flachs, LCSW

Illinois LCSW specializing in trauma and anxiety
  • Stress and anxiety support
  • Trauma and grief work
  • Relationship and family therapy

About Shelly Flachs

Shelly Flachs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 12 years of experience helping people in Illinois navigate challenging life moments. She brings a strengths-based, empowerment-focused approach to therapy, collaborating with clients to build practical strategies and personalized goals. Shelly emphasizes solution-oriented work while honoring each person’s story and resilience, creating a respectful and compassionate space for exploration and growth.

Her clinical practice addresses 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, coping with life changes, coaching needs, compassion fatigue, and ADHD. Additional focus areas include attachment and abandonment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, codependency, body image, aging and geriatric matters, and related personality or developmental concerns.

Shelly draws on a variety of therapeutic methods to tailor treatment to each client’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She works collaboratively to identify goals and develop practical steps toward greater balance, coping, and well-being, meeting people where they are in their journey.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Also Specializes In

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 Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Shelly Flachs have?

Shelly Flachs has 12 years of professional experience as a therapist.

Is Shelly Flachs a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LCSW credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: IL LCSW 149.017053, ME LCSW LC15258.

In which languages does Shelly Flachs provide therapy?

Shelly provides therapy 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.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Shelly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness Therapy into her online practice. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning; it is often useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. DBT emphasizes building skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness; it can be especially helpful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and coping under pressure. Mindfulness Therapy encourages present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance of thoughts and feelings, supporting stress reduction, improved sleep, and greater emotional balance.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Shelly works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they assess progress and adapt strategies over time so the work remains practical and personally meaningful.

Online therapy with Shelly offers flexible ways to engage, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access consistent support from licensed professionals without the need for travel.

Ready to start therapy with Shelly Flachs?

Take the first step toward a better you.