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I am a professional counselor licensed in Georgia with 10 years of experience working as a therapist in both outpatient and hospital settings. I graduated with my Master's degree from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA in 2013 and have loved helping clients reach their goals ever since. I have worked with clients that range in ages from 4 years old to 92 years old of multiple ethnic and racial backgrounds, cultures, political affiliations , genders and sexuality, and spiritual beliefs dealing with a variety of concerns. I have experience working with clients presenting with issues concerning depression, grief, self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, abuse, relationship conflict, psychosis, self-harm, domestic violence, and addiction.
I am a firm believer in therapy and, having my own therapist, I know having someone to talk to where you feel comfortable, supported, respected, and accepted is so crucial. My counseling style is down-to-earth, laid back, and friendly. We all have our struggles and I am here to walk through it with you. I love working with my clients to come up with practical, creative solutions to the issues that brought them to therapy. I love helping people realize their potential and that they are beyond capable of being their best selves. I can't wait to work together to achieve your goals and become that happier, healthier, best version of yourself!
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fertility issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Shelley Akerman. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Meeting with Shelley is my favorite time of the week! Truly I can't thank her enough for all of the help she's given me over the years. She's talked me through so many different life events, helped me work through trauma, and has made herself available for the unexpected troubles that pop up from time to time. She and I can laugh together and I always feel comfortable expressing any emotion to her, happy or sad.
Written on Oct 07, 2024 after therapy with Shelley for 3 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue
It’s been over a year and I still give her 5 stars. It’s great to have someone who’s extremely understanding, is honest enough to point out things I never think about, helps sort through my thoughts, gave me space for when I came out, and never makes me feel like my feelings aren’t valid making her an excellent listener. I could write a book on how she’s transformed my life over the past year because there’s so much I can say.
Written on Jun 26, 2023 after therapy with Shelley for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
Shelley is the best! So sweet and helps me so
Much. Really gives little tools to help work on problems in a manageable way.
Written on Nov 17, 2022 after therapy with Shelley for 5 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Shelly is THE BEST!!!
Written on Aug 03, 2022 after therapy with Shelley for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management
best therapist slash health professional i have encountered in my life
Written on Jul 14, 2022 after therapy with Shelley for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem
Shelley is very attentive and understanding. She has helped me process recent, difficult events in my life and helped me understand my role in those events.
Written on Jun 01, 2022 after therapy with Shelley for 6 months on issues concerning self esteem, and relationship issues
I didn't really know what to expect going into therapy on Betterhelp's platform but Shelley Akerman has made this experience amazing. I got so much out of the first few sessions and I keep seeing improvement. Shelley Akerman is thoughtful, knowledgeable, empathetic, and supportive.
Written on Jan 21, 2022 after therapy with Shelley for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and family conflicts
She listens to me, validates my concerns and helps me see things in a different light as needed.
I feel supported, and more stable in my everyday life, as I get more confident in my ability to see through my cognitive distortion.
Written on Dec 04, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Shelley was my therapist last year through a different company. I connected instantly with her and she helped me through the most difficult time of my life. She moved on to BetterHelp and I later joined to have her again as my therapist. Not only does she fully listen, she doesn’t judge but makes me feel as if I can tell her anything. And I do. Big and small things. The connection I have made with her is one of trust and openness. I would recommend her to anyone ready to seek help or become more healthy.
Written on Nov 25, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I don't know where to shart. Shelley is absolutely incredible and so kind hearted. She's a very good Christian person and just has so much compassion and guidance. I started out struggling with anxiety and depression and she guided me, giving me the tools, resources as support to help me deal with these things. I really adore Shelley and i encourage you all to choose her as your therapist.
Sincerely:
Angie
Written on Nov 03, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Shelley has a wealth of experience that she leans on, on top of her knowledge and wells of compassion. Because of this, she is a delight to speak with, personable, takes the time to actually listen to everything even if it can turn into a rant. And then after all the ranting? She cuts through to the heart of the matter and then teaches the tools and methods of overcoming what was once crippling anxiety and combing through traumas that I didn’t even realize were overarching patterns that were not to my benefit. With her guidance, she teaches me to be gentle with myself, and I think most importantly, how to navigate the highs and lows of life to keep growing while also learning to believe in myself.
Written on Sep 29, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Shelly is an incredible therapist! I would highly recommend working with her. She is highly compassionate and always very validating. She’s a great listener. She always helped me to feel better, and to feel seen and heard. She regularly messaged me to check in on how I was doing in between sessions, especially if she knew I was having an extra hard time. She is an experienced and skilled therapist, yet also manages to feel down to earth and relatable. She’s friendly and enthusiastic and I always enjoyed and appreciated our sessions. She is timely both for sessions and how quickly she would reply to my messages. She has really helped me through a difficult year, and I’ve been able to make important life changes due to her support. I am very grateful for Shelley and the effort she puts into being a therapist!
Written on Jul 25, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
From the moment I started communicating with Shelley, I knew she was the right fit for me. She has the same mindset as me. She is professional and kind and so helpful to me. I am truly grateful for Shelley and Better Help for making it simple and easy to get the right help that was especially picked for my needs.
Thanks for all that you do Shelley! Love ya Girl
Written on Jul 08, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
While Shelley is my therapist I really see her as a friend, as well, she manages to help me talk through my issues even if I end up going on a rant about something completely unrelated.
It is really nice just having someone to sit down and talk to about my life and the things I am thinking, this allows me to get some perspective on things.
I would highly recommend Better Help and Shelley to anyone who wasn't sure if therapy was for them.
Written on Jun 21, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
Shelly is so easy to talk to and addresses all my concerns and needs therapeutically. It's like talking to a friend really! She's very open minded and has taught me ways to handle my SEVERE anxiety that nothing can put a dent in aside from occasional zannex. She has been so helpful and understanding and I don't feel judged at all like I have with other counselors. She's amazing I couldn't recommend her more. She is funny and sweet and has made a huge difference in my life.
Written on May 04, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
She is a great person in general. Very nice, helpful, thoughtful, and experienced councilor. I felt much better after having her as a councilor. She listens to me and helps me to listen to myself and my thoughts and feelings. I'll continue with Better help because of her.
Written on Mar 10, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Shelley is an extremely sweet and nice person! She is very emphatic and considerate. Listens to your problems and helps to find a way to deal with it that works the best for every individual.
Written on Mar 01, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes
Shelley is a source of light and motivation in this journey. She truly listens to you , checks in if her analysis rings true to you and works with what you can handle . I completely believe her help and guidance will bring me closer to mental clarity !
Written on Feb 06, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
I love her. She listens and makes me feel better.
Written on Jan 25, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Shelley Ackerman Is very compassionate listens,understands, wants better for me and goes beyond Shelley is so wonderful and awesome thank you so much
Written on Jan 19, 2021 after therapy with Shelley for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
In the past, I’ve had many counselors. Not every counselor is right for every person. But Shelley is definitely my style. She’s kind, listens really well, but gives practical advice and follows up with the goals that I would like to set. I like her because she is the type of counselor to help you graduate from counseling-she gives you life tools that you can apply in many situations. As well, she’s really timely about messaging back throughout the week and takes her time to really put in thought into her messages. With spending time with her, I’ve already seen lots of growth, and I enjoy the time I get to discuss life with her.
Written on Dec 28, 2020 after therapy with Shelley for 2 months
Shelley is a wonderful and empathetic counselor. We work really well together so far and I'm very happy with the services I receive from them.
Written on Nov 18, 2020 after therapy with Shelley for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue
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