I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and board certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors. I have worked in both private practice and at local agencies, as well as in the school system and in higher education. I have over 17 years of clinical experience with various populations with a wide variety of concerns, ranging from psychiatric conditions, addictions, physical trauma, emotional trauma, grief/loss/end of life, as well as menopause, healthy aging, career and life coaching. I have many years beyond working in the mental health setting in other capacities. I have a post master's certificate to teach psychology and have worked intensively with educational planning.
My counseling style is warm, empathetic and interactive. I believe that the most productive therapy happens when clients are encouraged to be the experts of their own lives and that the goals of therapy are to help them find the options, skills and perspectives that can empower them to make changes to live a healthier and happier life. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy in my practice and emphasize maintaining appropriate boundaries within the therapeutic alliance.
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, ADHD, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Divorce and separation, First responder issues, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Postpartum depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Women's issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Shelly Proper. 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.
I am so incredibly grateful for the kindness and support Shelly has provided to me. I needed someone who I completely trust and who understood and Shelly is that for me. She provides me with cheerleader energy for my goals and provides me with feedback and guidance on the things I struggle with. My anxiety has gone way down due to the support and new coping skills she has taught me and I’ve incorporated these into my daily life. Im happy I asked for help when I was going to give up. I am looking forward to the continuation of therapy and to see what my future holds. I would highly recommend Shelly!
Written on May 13, 2026 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and adhd
Shelly has been of great help to me the last months. She helps me work through bigger struggles from my past, and everyday mundanity. I’ve learned a lot from her over the past months. She is always very attentive and caring while guiding and teaching how to approach situations, both internally and externally.
Written on Apr 06, 2026 after therapy with Shelly for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Shelly is a great listener, is attentive and she has checked in many times leading up to an event or events that she knew would be triggering for me. I feel so comfortable with her and am so grateful for her professional yet altruistic therapy.
Written on Feb 11, 2026 after therapy with Shelly for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Shelly’s amazing, I’m so glad I found her.
Written on Oct 28, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 10 months on issues concerning addictions, and adhd
Excellent therapist. Patient kind and understanding. Listens well and provides actionable feedback.
Written on Oct 15, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
She make it easy to connect and is strongly intuitive!
Written on Oct 08, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning relationship issues
She has been amazing, she made me feel comfortable right away it was easy to start talking.
Written on Aug 07, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and adhd
Shelly is great
Written on Aug 01, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and anger management
She is great. Her advice is spot on and she is helping me so much.
Written on Jun 25, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Shelley demeanor is soft and compassionate. I have lots of "aha!" Moments when talking to her. Very grateful!
Written on Jun 08, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 2 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Shelly has helped me a lot these past several months. I appreciate her and feel super comfortable sharing my feelings with her.
Written on Apr 29, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and grief
Shelly really makes the effort to listen to me and she’s very personable.
Written on Mar 20, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Shelly is a wonderful person and a fantastic therapist. She's supportive beyond belief and even if I get off the call crying, I know I feel better because she was there to listen and give her (overly) wise words of advice. In my crazy world, navigating through it all every day, I really do look forward to our session and even see how she's doing, it's like a very good friend touching base with and I truly appreciate being paired with her by better help. She's amazing!
Written on Feb 16, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Shelly is kind, supportive and overall a joy to talk to. I have struggled to find the right therapist and in my first session with her, I knew it was a great fit. She not only listens, but she shares experiences that she has had, which makes her advice that much more meaningful. I would recommend Shelly to anyone.
Written on Jan 12, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Shelly has good tips for working through issues like anxiety. I am looking forward to our next session.
Written on Jan 05, 2025 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Shelly is so wonderful. She understands my situation and gives me the skills to work through my problems. I feel so validated when I have my sessions.
Written on Dec 10, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Shelly has been instrumental in helping me understand and process my trauma in a way that feels safe and manageable. She provides practical tools and strategies that help me to navigate my experiences with confidence, rather than feeling overwhelmed by them. Through her guidance, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself and more self-acceptance than I’ve ever had before. Her patient, insightful approach makes every session productive, and I’m incredibly grateful for the progress I’ve made with her help.
Written on Dec 05, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Shelly is the best therapist I’ve worked with and I’ve worked with quite a few. Her empathy and care for her clients is evident in her work. Very grateful for her!
Written on Nov 17, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes
Shelly is great.
I had sooooo much to talk about and she was able to probe and get me to the core issues.
She helped me develop achievable goals, so I can move forward and not feel so stuck & hopeless.
Written on Nov 07, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and compassion fatigue
I have only worked with this therapist for a brief time. However, I feel that she is very understanding and compassionate to my mental health issues. I am hopeful that things will continue to move and positive direction with working with her.
Written on Sep 21, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Shelly is so good at maintaining objectivity while also being empathetic and problem-solving. This combination has helped me tackle the problems that I have been struggling with since an early age, I cannot say enough good things about Shelly.
Written on Aug 10, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
Shelly is knowledgeable and very insightful as a therapist. I've benefitted greatly from attending therapy with her.
Written on Jul 23, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
Shelly is very easy to talk to. She makes me not want to ever quit therapy even if I'm doing well!
Written on Jun 19, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes
Shelly took the time to get to know me and is giving me good ideas about how to cope with my dad passing
Written on Jun 18, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and grief
Shelly is fantastic and a perfect match for me. She is the ideal combination of supportive, caring, and knowledgable. She often tells me the science of what's going on as well as offering insight to what is "normal" which keeps things in the right perspective. She's the best!
Written on Jun 17, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
Shelly Proper immediately put me at ease, she was friendly and empathetic, was attentive and respectful, really listened to my needs and concerns, and on our first virtual meeting had proactive discussions and ideas to help me right away to achieve my goals. Before our meeting she had worksheets for me to do that I felt really helped me to fine tunes my goals and bring me clarity to make our visit easier for me and productive.
She is one of the best therapists I have had the pleasure to work with. So impressed!
Written on Jun 08, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Allows me to express myself in a safe environment
Written on May 22, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Shelly Proper was able to reflect and give real world examples of what needs to be done to continue to improve and become the next level of you. We had great conversations that led to breakthroughs and kept me accountable in a compassionate manner. I got to grow a lot through our sessions and come away more present and with applicable tools that fit my situation. She is always on time and present during our calls. She was flexible and kept in contact through messaging throughout the week with reminders and encouragement. Thank you Shelly Proper
Written on May 14, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 7 months on issues concerning sleeping disorders, self esteem, coaching, and adhd
Shelly Proper has a beautiful and patient personality. I am always impressed with her knowledge and experience that she shares with me. She has the ability to maintain her professionalism while making you feel comfortable with sharing your most confidential experiences. I am doing so much better since I have been receiving her counseling. I would love to refer her to everyone I meet but Im not sure if I want to share her. Lol
Written on Apr 22, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, and bipolar disorder
Shelly has been very helpful and providing advice for overcoming my anxiety and past traumas. She is very understanding and easy to talk to and I would strongly recommend her services to anyone looking for help or support.
Written on Apr 21, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Shelly is very helpful, she listens and uses her experiences to help you understand some things going on with yourself. Always on time and very thoughtfull.
Written on Feb 15, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
She is very personable and listens and has helped me tremendously
Written on Jan 09, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Shelly is wonderful. I find her easy to open up to and a fantastic listener. I would recommend her to anyone.
Written on Jan 09, 2024 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
I've been working with Mrs Proper for a while no and I've experienced a lot of growth in myself and in my personal relationships. she is a wealth of experience and I'm glad to have her!
Written on Dec 29, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and adhd
She is down to earth listens and responds provides immediate feedback
Written on Dec 21, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Shelly is wonderful. She has such a light and joy about her that makes her very easy to talk to. She respects me and really tries to understand my needs and is very flexible. I highly recommend her.
Written on Nov 16, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I am very pleased with my experience thus far. Thanks.
Written on Nov 06, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Shelly has been a wonderful support person to me through my busy life. She helps put things in perspective for me, listens to my needs, and builds me up when I need it. I appreciate her.
Written on Oct 13, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Shelly is simply the best. She helped me tackle issues in my life that we’re getting in the way and made a difference in our very first session. I’ve gotten so much out of therapy with her and I’m making positive changes in how I approach parenting and work challenges. Also love the convenience of scheduling online!
Written on Sep 01, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
I love talking with Shelly. She is so personable and comfortable, my sessions feel like I’m catching up with my big sister. She is great at pulling from her own experiences to share and relate to what I’m going through and leaves me with thoughtful points and questions to consider for our next session.
Written on Aug 28, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
The couple times ive had session with Shelly, Ive been given ideas and goals to consider. She has given my mind a path to follow and I just pick up where she laid the foundation. She is a very good listener and has a kind personality.
Written on Aug 13, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Shelly is a great therapist. She has really looked at my goals and objectives in life. And been very supportive to try and work out plans to achieve these goals. She has been flexible when scheduling changes on my end. I would recommend her to anyone you going through any I would recommend her to anyone you going through any. Types of stresses in li typos, stresses and life.
Written on Jul 21, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Always listens and is empathetic to what I am going through. I couldn’t imagine a better therapist
Written on Jul 10, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Highly recommend Shelly, made me feel so comfortable from our very first meeting.
Written on May 30, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning addictions, and coping with life changes
She is great
Written on May 29, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Shelly is wonderful. She has made a huge difference in my life. She truly listens and cares and offers terrific advice in a gentle way that leaves space for you to figure things out on your own. She is like a true guiding light in the storm of life.
Written on May 14, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Shelly really helps me feel less alone and heard. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy but she helps me realize that everyone needs help and that doesn't mean I'm crazy. She has been such a help!
Written on Apr 09, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Shelly has been a great source of help to me during a difficult time in my life. Her expertise and willingness to share her own personal experiences with similar struggles help me trust in her and the process.
Written on Apr 03, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, parenting issues, and anger management
Shelly has been a beacon of light and has helped me through some difficult challenges.
Written on Mar 09, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Shelly is an incredible therapist and I feel so lucky to have found her.
Written on Feb 27, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coaching
Shelly was my first Better Help therapy and massively helped me breakthrough. She's fabulous!
Written on Feb 22, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 1 year on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
Shelly has been so helpful. She provides professional insight on how to help you through your struggles and challenges. She is very personable and cares about all aspects of your life. Shelly is welcoming, kind, patient, empathetic, and supportive. Not enough words can describe how much Shelly has made a positive impact on my life.
Written on Feb 09, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Working with Shelly was a breath of fresh air after working with therapists that weren’t particularly engaged with my issues and never offered advice one way or another. Shelly helped me identify my ADHD and work through serious family issues to create a more healthy life. I’m upset to be loosing Shelly because I’m moving to a new state where she isn’t licensed to practice.
Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Shelly helped me to process past trauma and guided me to leading a much happier life. I’m incredibly thankful for our sessions and encourage others to reach out to her.
Written on Jan 19, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
As I dealt with some marital issues Shelly gave me great guidance, perspective, and understanding. Her demeanor is warm and inviting which I think is vital for a therapist. I highly recommend her.
Written on Jan 04, 2023 after therapy with Shelly for 4 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Outstanding.
Written on Oct 27, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and coaching
Shelly is the best counselor one can get. She really helped me to get through my hard times
Written on Oct 21, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Shelly is a very good listener, challenger and supporter. She makes therapy comfortable and provides effective guidance.
Written on Oct 15, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
I have learned a lot about myself and how to deal with issues in my life ..I'm grateful to have my therapist.
Written on Sep 01, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She gave very practical advice which was helpful throughout the week. I really appreciate all her help and insight!
Written on Aug 22, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Caring and respectful to my feelings
Written on Aug 19, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and bipolar disorder
Great therapist, and I've tried a few different ones before! I think I've finally found a therapist I'm satisfied with, and one that offers her expertise in a way I've been looking for!
Written on Jul 31, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
Shelly is welcome, interested, warm, and supportive. My best experience working with a therapist in eleven years.
Written on Jun 13, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Shelly is super sweet and just truly listens, she provides a safe space where I feel comfortable to talk about anything which I really appreciate!
Written on May 26, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Shelly has been a wonderful support system in the months that we've been working together. She offered many suggestions on how to work through the different things that I've been going through and I'm so thankful for our parnership.
Written on May 25, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and sleeping disorders
She is amazing and very thoughtful and compassionate. I always look forward to talking to her every week. Easily the best that I’ve had on this site.
Written on May 17, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
Shelly is just terrific to work with - so warm and easy to talk to - and she has made some very direct and helpful suggestions for me. I did not know how on line therapy would go but she changed my mind entirely about it and has helped me tremendously.
Written on May 10, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, and parenting issues
Shelly is an awesome therapist. She is kind, funny and non-judgmental. She validates my experiences and always has helpful suggestions. I look forward to our sessions and believe she will be able to help me with to improve my life.
Written on May 02, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and anger management
Shelly has been incredibly helpful and is a lovely person. I can honestly say my life has significantly improved thanks to her support and guidance. Highly recommend!
Written on Apr 25, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Talking with Dr. Proper has been wonderful. I feel so listened to, and her insights have really helped me start to heal from some past trauma and grow as a person.
I'd recommend her a thousand times over.
Written on Mar 13, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and compassion fatigue
I’m really enjoying working with her! She’s someone who listens and genuinely tries her best to understand what I’m dealing with and has great recommendations for me.
Written on Feb 23, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, adhd, anger management, and sleeping disorders
Shelly’s awesome
Written on Feb 21, 2022 after therapy with Shelly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, and self esteem
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