Emily Shelton

Bio

I entered this field to help people be the best version of themselves that they can be. I do this by first establishing a genuine connection with people and then building trust and rapport. Everyone struggles sometimes; I want to help break the stigma of mental health and let you know that it is okay not to be okay. Let me help you to be okay once again.

I offer a nonjudgmental listening ear. I am client-centered and believe that a therapy session is your time to process or not process anything you would like. I do not believe in making my clients open up about anything they are not ready for. I believe in being by my clients’ side and accompanying them on the therapeutic journey, where together we will rebuild and put all the pieces back together one step at a time.

I treat clients from a cognitive and psychodynamic theory approach. I utilize client-centered therapy offering empathetic listening and unconditional positive regard. I also draw from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) as well as motivational interviewing (MI). I understand that there is no “one size fits all” for treatment. I make sure that your treatment is as unique as you as a person. I have worked with clients experiencing trauma, crisis, stress management, life transitions, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and substance abuse. I have also worked in many different treatment settings including residential treatment, recovery homes, community mental health centers, homeless shelters, and home-based treatment at my clients’ homes, and in the community.

My clients are my inspiration and my drive for continuing the work I do in this field. I admire the bravery that my clients possess by embarking on their journey of healing and self-love. I feel it is an accolade to weather the storm alongside them. I would love to hear from you; let’s weather this storm together.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS), and Certified Recovery Support Specialist. I received my M.H.S. in Addiction Studies from Governors State University with a concentration in mental health counseling.

In-network insurances

Blue Cross Blue Shield • Self pay • Aetna • United • Cigna •

Specialties

ADD/ADHD Behavior Therapies • Addiction/Substance Abuse • Adjustment Disorder • Alcoholism • Anger Management • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Borderline Personality Disorder • Daytime Sleepiness • DBT/CBT • Depression • Grief and Loss/Bereavement • Life Coaching • Life Transition • Major Depressive Disorder • Mindfulness • Mood Disorders • Occupational Difficulties • Personality Disorder • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Trauma • Relationship Issues • Sadness • Schizophrenia • Self Esteem • Social Anxiety • Stress/Worry • Suicidal Thoughts

Education and training

• Governors State University, Master of Health Science Addiction Studies

Professional memberships

• NAADAC
• NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago

Languages spoken

• English

Pronouns

• she/her/hers