PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

SF Portrait of Shell Freeman
Online therapist

Shell Freeman

Hopeful, practical therapy for everyday challenges

Book with Shell
Credentials
LMSW
Experience
9 years
Licensed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Shell

Shell Freeman is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan. She has nine years of experience providing therapy for people facing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and relationship concerns. She also works with issues such as parenting challenges, addiction, trauma and abuse, and LGBTQ-related concerns like coming out and gender dysphoria.

Her style is direct and warm. Sessions are collaborative and interactive, with an emphasis on respect and sensitivity.

Background and approach

She aims to create simple, practical steps people can use between sessions to ease daily stress and improve relationships. Shell blends evidence-based tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy with patient-centered methods. That mix helps people learn new thinking habits, manage strong emotions, and build skills for calmer responses.

She also draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help people clarify values and take steady action. In sessions she listens for what matters most and adapts plans to fit each person’s life. She focuses on breaking big problems into small, manageable goals.

Work may include coping skills, communication practice, and problem-solving tied to real-world situations. Shell offers online care in Michigan and works with international clients as well. Her approach suits people who want practical strategies, clear steps, and a supportive guide through difficult moments.

Therapeutic methods and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, meaningful steps toward those values while accepting difficult feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of thinking to change feelings and behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening relationships.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Shell will collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their goals, needs, and daily life. She adapts techniques rather than using a single fixed plan, so therapy can change as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. That variety makes it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules and to continue work between appointments. Using these formats, therapists can coach skills, practice communication, and provide support in real time or through messages when that works better for the person.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shell work with?
She addresses a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy problems, parenting challenges, and LGBT-related concerns.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is genuine, interactive, and collaborative. She focuses on practical skills, respectful listening, and adapting plans to each person’s needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has nine years of experience working as a mental health therapist with people facing mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, and a variety of relationship and life stressors.
What credentials and location apply to her practice?
She holds an LMSW, listed as MI LMSW 6801107854, and practices in Michigan.
Which languages and international options are supported?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
9 years
Licensed
Michigan
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Shell

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
Book with Shell