Shelly Proper , LPC

Shelly Proper is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania and is board certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors. The LPC is the state credential that authorizes practice in counseling, and board certification reflects a national-level credentialing recognition. With 17 years of clinical experience, she has practiced in private practice settings, local agencies, the school system, and higher education.

Shelly has worked with diverse populations across a wide range of concerns, including psychiatric conditions, addictions, physical and emotional trauma, grief and end-of-life issues, menopause and healthy aging, career and life coaching, and educational planning. She also holds a post-master's certificate to teach psychology and has extensive experience in educational planning.

Her counseling style is warm, empathetic, and interactive, centered on the belief that clients are experts in their own lives. She focuses on helping individuals identify options, develop skills, and explore perspectives that support healthier, more fulfilling choices. Shelly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy in her work, while emphasizing appropriate boundaries within the therapeutic relationship.

She works with adults aged 25 and older and brings a strengths-based, practical approach to addressing stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family concerns, grief, caregiver stress, addictions, and other life transitions.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Shelly Proper

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and build actions that align with what matters most, while teaching tools to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than getting stuck by them. It can be useful for stress, anxiety, life transitions, and situations where acceptance and values-based change are priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors; it is often used to address anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and day-to-day coping strategies by teaching practical skills for managing symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers structured skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help when intense emotions, relationship conflicts, or self-destructive coping arise.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Shelly works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and personal preferences, adjusting the plan over time to suit changing circumstances. This collaborative approach helps ensure treatment feels relevant and practical.

Online therapy provides flexibility and accessibility for people balancing work, caregiving, or other commitments. Shelly offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing clients to receive consistent support in formats that fit their schedules and comfort level. Licensed professionals can adapt these approaches effectively to virtual settings, making it possible to pursue meaningful progress without compromising convenience.