Shelly Proper

Shelly Proper is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania who helps people facing grief, end-of-life concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, and caregiver strain. She works with adults age 25 and older on issues like trauma, addiction, relationship struggles, parenting stress, and life changes. Her approach is warm and interactive and aims to make therapy feel practical and usable day to day.

Shelly draws on 17 years of clinical experience in settings that include private practice, schools, higher education, and local agencies. She has worked with people navigating psychiatric conditions, physical and emotional trauma, postpartum depression, and adjustments related to aging and menopause. She also supports those dealing with first responder and veteran-related stress and the complicated emotions around hospice and end-of-life counseling.

In sessions she helps people build skills and notice what matters most to them. Techniques often come from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to change unhelpful patterns and clarify values. Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy offer tools for managing strong feelings and improving emotional connection.

Shelly values collaboration and sees clients as experts on their own lives. She focuses on practical steps people can try between meetings, and on keeping clear boundaries in the work. Her background also includes a post-master's teaching certificate in psychology and experience with educational planning.

People who choose her typically want straightforward, skill-based work paired with empathic listening. She encourages a pace that fits each person's life and goals.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice what matters to them and take small steps that match their values, often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and habits and replacing them with more helpful strategies for mood, sleep, and stress. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people recognize and work with strong emotions to improve emotional clarity and connection.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client will talk about goals, try methods, and adjust based on what helps. That collaborative process aims to match tools to the person's needs and preferences rather than assuming one method fits everyone.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know which online formats are available. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They also let people access consistent support while managing caregiving, work shifts, or medical appointments. Ask about session length and scheduling when you sign up so appointments match your routine and goals.