About Shobana

Shobana Shanmugavelayutham is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) practicing in Illinois. She draws on five years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and the day-to-day challenges that get in the way of feeling well. She emphasizes a respectful, strengths-based stance and treats each person as the expert on their own life.

Her approach is straightforward and collaborative. Shobana listens first, then works with people to set clear goals.

Background and approach

Sessions are focused on skills that can be used between meetings, and on small steps that build confidence over time. She uses several evidence-informed methods, including cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thinking, acceptance and commitment ideas to clarify values, and attachment-informed work to improve important relationships. These approaches are used together to match what an individual needs in the moment.

People come to her for a mix of concerns - trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, and coping with life changes are common topics. She also supports those facing hospice and end-of-life questions, immigration-related stress, and multicultural challenges. ADHD is listed among her areas of focus for attention and executive function struggles.

Sessions are offered in English and can be done by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Shobana aims to help people build practical habits and clearer routines that fit real life.

How therapeutic approaches work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice hard thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then pick actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and the frustration that comes with attention difficulties. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new ways of behaving to change moods and reactions. It is often useful for anxiety, depression, and building routines that support attention and organization.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and suggest methods that fit. Decisions about techniques are made together and adjusted as progress and needs change.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video allows face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is low or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat or text messaging are useful for quick check-ins, short coaching moments, or for people who process better in writing. These options let therapy fit around work, caregiving, school, and travel.

Questions people ask

What concerns does she commonly address?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, self esteem, and coping with life changes, plus ADHD-related struggles.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens, sets goals together, and focuses on skills and small steps people can use between sessions.
What is her professional background?
She has five years of clinical experience and works from an approach that recognizes each person's strengths and life story.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LCPC licensed in Illinois and practices with that credential.
Which languages are supported and can she work with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
In what formats are sessions available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different communication needs.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling sessions according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
5 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.