Shelley Akerman, LPC

Shelley Akerman is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) practicing in Georgia with 11 years of experience. She has worked in both outpatient and hospital settings and helps people tackle worries that impede daily life. Her approach is down-to-earth and friendly, and she focuses on practical steps clients can use right away.

Shelley listens first and then helps people set clear, manageable goals. She uses straightforward techniques to reduce anxiety, lift mood, and improve relationships. Sessions tend to be collaborative and goal-focused, with attention to what each person needs in their life.

Her experience includes supporting people through trauma and abuse, depression, grief, addiction, and stress. She also helps with intimacy-related issues, parenting concerns, ADHD, and caregiver strain. Shelley has worked with a wide range of ages and backgrounds during her career.

Shelley draws from several evidence-informed methods, including client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, to shape sessions around each person. She values practical, creative solutions and helps clients practice new ways of thinking and behaving between appointments.

People who appreciate a relaxed, respectful therapist often connect well with her style. If someone is looking for steady support and clear next steps, Shelley aims to provide that while respecting each person’s pace and goals.

How evidence-informed approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person’s experience and meeting them where they are. It involves active listening and reflecting so clients feel heard and can decide what matters most to them. This approach helps with motivation, confidence, and making choices that fit day-to-day life.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It uses simple exercises and practical tools to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful patterns. CBT is helpful for stress, depression, relationship patterns, and many everyday struggles.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shelley will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals and situation. She adapts techniques over time, checking in to see what helps and what needs adjusting.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking since they are not listed here. Online work can make fitting therapy into a busy life easier by reducing travel time, allowing sessions during a lunch break, or offering options that do not require video. Therapists can use the same practical tools and goal-setting techniques online as in person, and sessions can be scheduled to fit a person's routine.