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Shelley Akerman

Therapist profile

Shelley Akerman, LPC

Georgia

Licensed Professional Counselor - Relationships and Family

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About

  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Mindfulness techniques

About Shelley

Shelley Akerman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Georgia with 11 years of experience. She lists stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, parenting and related areas among her main focuses.

Shelley uses a straightforward, down-to-earth approach in sessions. She aims to make conversations practical and focused. She works with people who want direct, useable steps for everyday problems at home and in relationships.

Her background includes work in outpatient and hospital settings and a master’s degree from Mercer University in Atlanta. That range exposed her to many different life situations and ages, and she draws on that experience when helping people set goals and try new ways of coping.

Sessions often look at patterns in relationships and daily routines. Shelley uses methods that help people change unhelpful thinking, try different behaviors, and tell their story differently so they can move forward. She also brings in mindfulness tools and motivational techniques when those fit a client's goals.

People who choose her often want practical solutions they can use between sessions. Shelley describes her style as relaxed and friendly, and she focuses on clear steps and realistic plans. If you are managing stress at home, parenting strain, or problems with a close relationship, she helps people develop skills and next steps to try.

How sessions work

How her approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person. In practice this means sessions concentrate on the client's priorities, giving time to the issues they bring and working at their pace.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and then tests small changes. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and relationship patterns by trying specific techniques between sessions.

Mindfulness Therapy introduces simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase moment-to-moment awareness. It can help with stress, emotional overwhelm, and recurring negative thoughts.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. Shelley will work with each person to decide which methods suit their goals and preferences. She adjusts techniques as sessions progress and checks in about what helps and what does not.

Confirm the exact session formats before booking, as they are not listed in the profile. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. The structure and tools from the approaches above can be used in remote sessions to practice skills and plan changes that fit everyday life.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression

Also works with

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

11+ years

Listed in

Georgia

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she help with?

Shelley works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, parenting issues, and related topics listed in her profile.

What is her style in sessions?

Her approach is down-to-earth and relaxed. She focuses on practical steps, clear goals, and straightforward conversation.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 11 years of experience working in both outpatient and hospital settings and holds a master’s degree from Mercer University.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Georgia.

Does she work in languages other than English or with international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.

Which session formats does she offer?

Please confirm current session formats before booking, as the profile does not specify particular delivery methods.

How does payment work and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin if I want to try sessions?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.

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Shelley Akerman

Continue with Shelley