GET TO KNOW your therapist

Christine Sheppard, LCPC

“Find what you’re afraid of most and go live there” – Chuck Palahniuk

Insurances I Accept:

Ages I work with:

Ages 5 and Up

Languages I speak:

English

Who Am I?

Hello! My name is Christine Sheppard and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I work with clients from all walks of life. I’m a feminist therapist with a person-centered focus, so you know I’ll be a respectful listener with a sense of social context. I’m committed to being able to explain any skill three ways: verbally, visually, and through role play. I’m definitely going to test drive anything I’m asking you to do first! As a cisgender white female counselor, I’m going to be transparent about my limitations working with people of color. I’m not going to expect you to teach me and I’m going to center your voice and experiences in our work.

I love working with:

People who are questioning their place in the world
Those who are wondering about their gender and sexuality
Those wanting to reduce emotional pain, we can dig into internal work; if your own behaviors and responses are causing trouble, we can practice coping skills that are transformative.
When it seems hard to locate a sense of self, we can uncover values and goals you may have lost touch with.

Some of my favorite approaches include:

Person-centered because you are the expert about your life! A narrative stance can help you focus on your strengths and write a different story; DBT can give you important tools for living, like how to be mindful or how to work toward what you want in a relationship (with respect). Communication skills are critical for relationships. I’m a huge fan of teaching and rehearsing non-violent communication. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can get you started on the amazing healing powers of radical acceptance. CBT and DBT are my go-to sources for coping skills.

HOW I HELP

My best and first tool is listening: I’m going to listen to you with my ears and my head and my heart, so that I can become your fellow traveler. I’m going to encourage you to imagine a new story about your life, one that notices your strengths and victories while also mourning loss and respecting traumatic experiences. We can unload shame by being vulnerable; I promise to provide a space where your will feel safe and truly heard. Together, we can build a sense of purpose and hope.

I believe…

I believe in meeting you where you are and respecting ALL your choices
I believe that change is possible and may already be happening
I believe “aha” moments can happen at any time

What it’s like in a session with me

In our first session, we’ll talk about what’s up with you, how you’re coping in the world, what’s going well and what’s giving you trouble. It can be hard to open up, so I give you lots of space, urge you to take your time and feel comfortable. Here’s a link to some videos I curated to give you a sense of what therapy is like:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpMgUAZAZjEDqcnWOFPs-ws1SmZtXJUEF

As a mom of three grown kids, I’m a pro at the patience and compassion that children require; I’m excited to get on the floor and play while talking about transitions, feelings, and struggles. My experience with teens is within the challenges of eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Work with adults is often finding ways to grapple with anxiety and depression; I have experience and expertise working with peri- and post-menopausal women.

More about me

I received a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, and am licensed to practice in Illinois. When I’m not with clients, I could be writing articles or protesting downtown. Otherwise, I’m biking or walking on the lake shore, knitting or reading at home and annoying my cat. Usually, I’m planning on or actually eating delicious Korean food with my kids and friends.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.