IM shelby Illingworth

Hello, I am Shelby Illingworth.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and board approved Supervisor with over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and stress. 

I have a passion for helping clients with infertility issues and adoption. I can be a resource for those who need to process the hope and the grief around building a family. 

My approach is rooted in person-centered therapy, emphasizing a genuine, collaborative relationship where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I believe meaningful change begins in a safe and accepting environment, and I trust each client’s capacity for growth and self-understanding. I integrate evidence-based strategies to support each individual’s goals while maintaining a steady, compassionate presence. Together we will identify patterns that no longer serve you and help you create the life you want. 

For those who choose, I offer Christian-based Counseling. I believe that God gives us all unique gifts and two of mine are listening and helping people. However, I understand that many have a challenging relationship with religion and spirituality and our work together around this is always client-directed. 

I strive to create a collaborative, affirming space where clients can explore challenges and build lasting change. I also offer supervision to LPC-Associates.

What can i

  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Bipolar
  • Infertility
  • Adoption
  • Assessments for Infertility related treatments such as; Donor Conceived Children
  • Peer relationships
  • Stress
  • Life Changes

What is my

My approach to therapy is centered on creating a warm, supportive environment where you feel safe, heard, and understood. I strive to meet you where you are, tailoring each session to your unique experiences and goals while helping you build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.

I work with individuals navigating a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, infertility, adoption-related experiences, peer relationship challenges, stress, and major life transitions. I also provide assessments related to infertility treatments, including those involving donor-conceived children.

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Interpersonal
  • Spiritual Direction & Christian Counseling
  • Family Systems Approach
  • Solution Focused Therapy
  • Many More!

I believe growth and healing are always possible. My role is to walk alongside you—offering guidance, practical tools, and encouragement—as you navigate life’s challenges and move toward greater clarity, balance, and well-being.

Client

Life can present a variety of challenges, and navigating them alone can feel overwhelming. I support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ongoing stress by helping them better understand their emotions and develop effective strategies to manage daily life. Together, we focus on building coping skills that foster stability, resilience, and a greater sense of control.

I also specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating infertility and adoption-related experiences. This includes providing assessments for infertility-related treatments, such as those involving donor-conceived children. I understand the emotional complexity that can accompany these journeys and strive to offer a compassionate, informed space where you feel supported and understood.

In addition, I help clients work through life transitions and significant changes—whether expected or unexpected. These moments can bring uncertainty, but they can also create opportunities for growth. My goal is to provide clarity, support, and direction so you can move forward with confidence and purpose.

I also work with individuals experiencing peer and relationship challenges, helping to strengthen communication, improve connection, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

I have experience working with adults across different life stages, recognizing that each phase of life brings unique experiences and stressors. No matter where you are in your journey, I aim to provide a supportive environment where you can gain insight, develop practical tools, and create meaningful, lasting change.

My Therapy

My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier coping strategies. This approach is especially effective in addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, and bipolar disorder.

I also incorporate Interpersonal Therapy to support clients in improving communication, strengthening relationships, and navigating peer and social challenges. This approach can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing relational stress, life transitions, or shifts in personal identity.

In addition, I draw from a Family Systems perspective to better understand how relationships and life experiences—such as infertility and adoption—impact emotional well-being. I provide a supportive and informed space for individuals and families navigating these complex journeys, including offering assessments for infertility-related treatments, such as those involving donor-conceived children.

Solution-Focused Therapy is another key component of my work, helping clients identify strengths, set meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies for managing life changes and ongoing stressors. This approach emphasizes progress and empowers clients to move toward tangible, lasting change.

For clients who desire it, I also integrate faith-based perspectives through Christian counseling and spiritual direction, supporting alignment between emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Drawing from these evidence-based approaches, I strive to create a compassionate, structured environment where clients feel supported as they build insight, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Industries and communities

I am honored to work with a diverse range of individuals, each bringing unique experiences, challenges, and strengths. I primarily serve adults across various life stages, offering support that is responsive to the emotional needs and transitions that arise throughout life.

I work with individuals navigating infertility and adoption-related journeys, providing a compassionate and informed space to process the emotional complexities involved. I also offer assessments for infertility-related treatments, including those involving donor-conceived children, supporting individuals and families as they move forward with clarity and confidence.

In addition, I support clients experiencing life transitions and major life changes—whether expected or unexpected. These can include shifts in relationships, personal identity, or life direction. I help individuals manage the stress that often accompanies these changes while fostering growth and resilience.

I also work with individuals facing peer and relationship challenges, helping to improve communication, strengthen connections, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Across all of these areas, I provide care for individuals managing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ongoing stress. My focus is on helping clients build effective coping skills, increase self-awareness, and create meaningful, lasting emotional well-being.

Ages

  • Teens
  • Young Adults
  • Adults
  • Seniors