Shelly Gessler, LCPC, a therapist with long brown hair and a warm smile, wearing a floral blouse, standing in a park.

Hello, I’m Shelly

I help adults and couples bypass brain noise and defenses by combining body-based, creative, and depth-therapies.

Schedule a Consultation

Learn to listen to your body, follow its guidance, and ultimately create more calm.

Services & Payment

Online therapy in CO, IL, and WA

  • Illinois Insurance

    Aetna

    BlueCross and BlueShield

    Cigna and Evernorth

    Medicare

    TriWest

    UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

    Colorado & Washington Insurance

    Aetna

    Optum

    Cigna

  • Cancellations 24 hours or more before appointment

    $0

    Cancellations less than 24 hours without rescheduling for the same week

    $60.00

  • Trained in Jungian Psycotherapy. Explore unconscious patterns and inner symbolic work.

  • Yoga certification, training in trauma-sensitive yoga. Nervous system regulation through body connection.

  • Expertise in eco-grief. Navigate overwhelm about the state of our world.

Biography

I’m Shelly Gessler, owner of Willow Therapeutic. My path to becoming a counselor was unconventional, rooted in a deep connection to nature. Whether hiking, camping, or kayaking, I found a sense of balance and meaning in the outdoors that I felt moved to bring into everyday life. This journey led me to study mindfulness, yoga, and eventually clinical mental health counseling, focusing on how we can live more fully when our mind and body are truly aligned.

We will look at how past relationships and experiences shape your life today, but we won't stop at just "talking." Because memories and emotions are often held in the body, I offer an integrative toolkit to help you heal:

  • Depth Work: Jungian-informed psychotherapy and guided art therapy to explore the unconscious.

  • Somatic Healing: Trauma-sensitive yoga and mindfulness to regulate your nervous system and increase your tolerance for stress.

  • Evidence-Based Care: Attachment-based techniques and, for couples, emotionally-focused methods to foster deeper communication.

Whether you are an individual looking to heal old wounds or a couple seeking a deeper understanding of one another, my goal is to meet you where you are. We will work at your own pace to help you reconnect with your inner strength and grow into new possibilities.

If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of yourself or your relationship, I invite you to reach out.

I help people experiencing…

worry about their place in the world

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intellectualization on how to "fix" their life

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challenging times with partners, friends, or family

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overwhelm by difficulties in daily life

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worry about their place in the world 〰️ intellectualization on how to "fix" their life 〰️ challenging times with partners, friends, or family 〰️ overwhelm by difficulties in daily life 〰️

1 | Identify Type

Individual? Relationship? Family? Decide which type of therapy best fits your needs.

2 | Consultation

Use the form or our scheduling tool to get a free, 15 minute consultation on the books with me.

3 | Start

If we’re a good fit, then we’ll do the admin work and schedule your appointment.

Schedule a Free Consultation