Shelby Plummer
she/they
Despite what influences from the medical model of counseling might believe, therapy is as much of an art as it is a science.
To me, therapy must be defined uniquely and specifically between the counselor and the client(s), and because of this, what therapy is or looks like varies from client to client. Therefore, it is essential to avoid taking a "one-size-fits-all" approach across clients. I might be an expert on the mental health field, but my clients are experts in themselves and their lived experiences. Together we collaborate on the kind of therapeutic experience that will best address their needs, goals, and treatment.
Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship Issues / Sex Therapy
- Trauma & PTSD
- College and Life Transitions
- LGBT and queer issues
- Grief
I work across the lifespan from the pre-teenage years through older and elderly adulthood. My lived experience as a queer and bisexual person and bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, further prepare me for work with other LGBT and queer people.
I provide all of my clients with unconditional positive regard and a genuine curiosity and compassion for their lived experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Additionally, I believe that creativity and connection are essential elements to therapy, and I find that my background in theater and performance helps me to explore the lived experiences, goals, and values of my clients with my clients. I am genuinely interested in how you see the world, how you experience your life, your goals, and about things in your life you would like to change. My goal is to create the conditions for curiosity and compassion in the therapeutic space, encouraging individuals and couples to be more curious and compassionate about themselves and others.
I take an existential and Rogerian approach to therapy, meaning that I value how the individual defines and finds meaning in themselves and the world around them. While I also integrate a range of modalities from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to Internal Family Systems (IFS), I find that the most important element to therapy is the collaboration between myself and my clients.
I hold multiple degrees in English, Theater, and Gender Studies from Indiana University Bloomington and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University Chicago. I hold a certificate in sex therapy from Adler University and am also pursuing ASSECT certification.