About Shelly
Shelly Scamardo is a licensed psychologist in Illinois who helps people manage anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, mood struggles, and life changes. She focuses on practical steps that build confidence and reduce distress so daily life feels more manageable. She uses clear, collaborative work in sessions.
That means listening first, then building tools that fit each person's needs. People can expect straightforward techniques to cope with panic, phobias, obsessive thoughts, and relationship or communication problems.
Background and approach
Shelly earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University. She completed a master’s degree in 1999 and a doctorate in 2004 at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Over 21 years she has worked with adults facing mood disorders, trauma reactions, and major life transitions.
Her approach blends client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques and psychodynamic ideas. She pays close attention to attachment and how past relationships shape current patterns. Together with clients she explores what keeps painful cycles going and tests small, concrete changes.
Sessions aim to strengthen coping, improve communication, and reduce avoidance. Shelly also helps people facing divorce, grief, body image struggles, and isolation. Her style is warm, direct, and focused on practical progress that fits everyday life.
How these approaches fit with online therapy
Shelly blends client-centered methods and cognitive behavioral techniques to help people manage anxiety, phobias, and mood problems. Client-centered work focuses on listening and building a trusting conversation so clients feel heard and understood. Cognitive behavioral work looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to reduce panic, compulsions, and avoidance.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client will talk through goals, try strategies, and adjust the plan together based on what helps most. This ongoing conversation helps identify which mix of listening, insight, and skills training fits each person's needs.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video sessions work well for deeper conversations and behavioral practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat or text-based messaging can be useful for brief check-ins, skill reminders, or when scheduling makes a shorter contact more practical.
Questions people ask
What kinds of concerns does Shelly address?
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
What is her professional background?
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Can people outside the United States work with her?
What session formats are available?
How do fees and getting started work?
What this therapist works with
Most often
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
Also listed
- Attachment issues
- Body image
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Divorce and separation
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 21 years
- Licensed
- Illinois
- Languages
- English
We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.