Shobana Shanmugavelayutham, LCPC - Therapist in Illinois

About Shobana

Shobana Shanmugavelayutham is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) practicing in Illinois. She brings five years of experience supporting people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and addictions. Her work also touches on family concerns, anger, life changes, and ADHD, with additional focus on hospice and end-of-life counseling, immigration issues, and multicultural matters.

She speaks English and accepts international clients. Shobana centers sessions on each person's strengths and lived experience.

Background and approach

She treats people as the experts on their own stories and helps them build practical steps forward. The tone in sessions is supportive and empowering, aimed at small, manageable changes rather than big leaps. Her approach blends several evidence-informed methods, including cognitive behavioral techniques and attachment-focused work.

She also draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help clients clarify values and take meaningful action. Emotionally focused and client-centered practices shape how she listens and responds. In a typical session she helps clients name what feels hard, identify patterns that get in the way, and try new strategies between meetings.

She emphasizes coping skills for day-to-day stress and problem-solving for life transitions. For people dealing with grief, trauma, or immigration stress, she offers steady support and practical tools. The first appointment focuses on understanding immediate concerns and setting simple goals.

From there she and the client decide which methods to try and how to measure progress. Sessions are available by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs.

Therapeutic approaches for online family and parenting concerns

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for stress, anxiety, and making changes that matter. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going and testing new ways of thinking and acting. It is often helpful for depression, anxiety, and everyday coping skills.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. This collaborative process means methods are adjusted over time based on what is working for the client.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit busy schedules and different comfort levels. These formats make it easier to keep regular appointments, practice skills between meetings, and stay consistent during life changes. Licensed professionals can use these tools to support progress while keeping focus on practical steps and clear goals.

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.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem, depression, addictions, family concerns, anger, coping with life changes, and ADHD. She also focuses on hospice and end-of-life counseling, immigration issues, and multicultural concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is supportive and practical. She emphasizes strengths, clear goals, and small steps that clients can use between sessions.

What experience does she bring?

She has five years of professional experience working with the listed concerns and brings a steady, practical approach to therapy.

What are her credentials and where is she licensed?

She holds the LCPC credential and is licensed in Illinois under IL LCPC 180.012070.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Licensed: Illinois
Languages: English

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