Shelly Flachs, LCSW
Compassionate LCSW specializing in trauma and mood disorders
- CBT and DBT informed
- Collaborative treatment planning
- Online sessions available
About Shelly Flachs
Shelly Flachs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with 12 years of clinical experience supporting people through a wide range of life challenges. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, addictions, relationship and family difficulties, parenting and intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, and career or life transition issues. Shelly also addresses concerns such as ADHD, caregiver stress, chronic illness, body image and commitment issues, and a variety of personality and attachment-related struggles.
Shelly’s work centers on empowerment and practical problem solving, drawing on evidence-informed methods to help people build skills and achieve meaningful goals. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, tailoring each session to the client’s unique strengths and needs. Her style emphasizes collaboration, respect, and clear, goal-oriented planning so clients can identify priorities and take manageable steps toward change.
Clients can expect a warm, grounded approach that balances insight with concrete tools for coping and growth. Shelly values authenticity and works to create a therapeutic environment where people feel heard, supported, and guided toward practical solutions and increased resilience.
Shelly’s work centers on empowerment and practical problem solving, drawing on evidence-informed methods to help people build skills and achieve meaningful goals. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, tailoring each session to the client’s unique strengths and needs. Her style emphasizes collaboration, respect, and clear, goal-oriented planning so clients can identify priorities and take manageable steps toward change.
Clients can expect a warm, grounded approach that balances insight with concrete tools for coping and growth. Shelly values authenticity and works to create a therapeutic environment where people feel heard, supported, and guided toward practical solutions and increased resilience.
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 experience.
Is Shelly Flachs a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details are IL LCSW 149.017053 and ME LCSW LC15258.
In which languages does Shelly Flachs provide therapy?
Shelly Flachs provides therapy in English.
Where is Shelly Flachs located?
She 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.
Therapeutic Approaches for Effective Online Care
Shelly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts and develop practical skills for managing mood, anxiety, and daily stressors. CBT focuses on changing patterns of thinking and behavior to improve functioning and reduce distress.She also incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. DBT is especially helpful for managing intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and improving coping strategies.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) is used to explore and reshape relationship patterns and emotional responses, supporting deeper connection and healing in couples and individuals dealing with attachment-related concerns.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shelly works with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, adapting methods over time so therapy remains relevant and effective for the individual.
Online therapy with Shelly is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to access support from home or on the go and allow therapists and clients to find the format that best supports progress and comfort.