What patients are saying
Overall rating
1.00
Average wait time
1.00
Bedside manner
1.00
About Shelly Hughes
Focus areas
EMDR Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Family Issues
Play Therapy
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Families
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Person-Centered
Dialectical (DBT)
Play Therapy
EMDR
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
ChristianEthnicity
Indigenous American or Alaska Native, White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Shelly Hughes
I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and genuinely human—not clinical, intimidating, or one-size-fits-all. I work with children, teens, and adults who are navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, life transitions, and relationship stress. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure why things feel so hard even when they’re “doing everything right.” My goal is to help clients make sense of their experiences and build tools that actually work in real life.
My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and integrative. I draw from EMDR, somatic therapy, play therapy, sand tray, and evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT, always tailoring treatment to the client rather than forcing the client into a model. I believe the nervous system tells an important story, so we often work not just with thoughts and emotions, but with body awareness, regulation, and felt safety. For children and teens, I use developmentally appropriate, creative approaches that allow them to express what they may not yet have words for.
I work best with clients who want a therapist who is warm, grounded, and direct—someone who can sit with hard emotions while also offering structure, insight, and practical strategies. I value collaboration and transparency, and I regularly check in to make sure therapy feels helpful and aligned with the client’s goals. I also believe humor, when appropriate, can be a powerful tool for connection and regulation.
My communication style is calm, supportive, and straightforward. I will gently challenge patterns that keep clients stuck while remaining compassionate and respectful of their pace. Above all, I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered. Therapy doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective—it just has to be honest, safe, and intentional.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions—hope, uncertainty, curiosity, and sometimes apprehension. My goal is to make the therapy process feel as safe, clear, and supportive as possible from the very beginning. I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, respectful, and tailored to the individual, rather than rigid or overwhelming.
Therapy with me is not rushed. You do not need to share everything all at once. We move at a pace that feels manageable and appropriate for you. Especially when working with trauma, anxiety, or emotional regulation challenges, establishing safety and trust comes first.
My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and integrative. I draw from EMDR, somatic therapy, play therapy, sand tray, and evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Together, we focus on understanding those patterns and building tools that can be used outside of session.
My communication style is warm, calm, and direct. I strive to be transparent and collaborative, checking in regularly to ensure therapy feels helpful and aligned with your goals. I will offer gentle challenges when appropriate, while always remaining respectful of your pace and lived experience.
For children and teens, therapy is developmentally responsive and often incorporates creative, play-based, or experiential approaches. Caregiver involvement is thoughtful and intentional, balancing the child’s need for privacy with appropriate collaboration and support.
Above all, I aim to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and empowered. Therapy is not about fixing you—because you are not broken. It is about increasing insight, building resilience, and supporting you in creating meaningful change.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
We usually begin with a brief check-in. This may include how you’ve been feeling since the last session, what stood out during the week, or anything important you want to focus on that day. If something unexpected or urgent comes up, we adjust.
From there, the session may involve talking through experiences, building insight, or working on specific skills. Depending on your goals, we might explore emotional patterns, relationship dynamics, stress responses, or triggers. I often help clients connect thoughts, emotions, and body responses to better understand how stress or past experiences are showing up in the present.
Sessions may also include regulation and grounding strategies, especially when anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm are present. This can involve breathing, body awareness, or other somatic techniques to support nervous system regulation.
When appropriate, sessions may include trauma-processing or structured interventions, such as EMDR. These sessions are always carefully prepared for, clearly explained, and paced according to your comfort and readiness. You will never be pushed into work you are not prepared for.
For children and adolescents, sessions often look different than adult sessions. Therapy may involve play, creative expression, sand tray, or movement, allowing younger clients to communicate in ways that feel natural and developmentally appropriate. Caregiver involvement is intentional and balanced, with attention to both collaboration and confidentiality.
Throughout the session, I prioritize collaboration and clarity. I may offer reflections, ask thoughtful questions, or gently challenge patterns that keep you stuck, always with respect and transparency.
Toward the end of the session, we typically summarize key themes, identify insights or skills to practice, and discuss next steps. This might include noticing patterns during the week, practicing a coping skill, or simply allowing space to reflect.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $150 for 53 minutes
Ongoing session: $150 for 53 minutes
Office locations
Shelly Hughes, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients
1 of 2
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- The University of Oklahoma, Master's in Social Work
NPI number
1194404475
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
1.00
Wait time
1.00
Bedside manner
1.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
1 review
Most relevant
I never got a call or text...I tried calling her several times and left voicemail and still haven't heard back from her.
April 3, 2026Jeffrey E.Verified patientVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Shelly Hughes?
Generally, Shelly Hughes has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Shelly Hughes's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Shelly Hughes accepting new patients?
Shelly Hughes generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Shelly Hughes's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Shelly Hughes accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Shelly Hughes is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Shelly Hughes online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Shelly Hughes using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Shelly Hughes work with?
Shelly Hughes works with Wonder works counseling.
Where is Shelly Hughes's office located?
Shelly Hughes has 4 office locations in Edmond, view full addresses on Shelly Hughes's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Shelly Hughes?
Shelly Hughes frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Shelly Hughes on their profile.
What languages does Shelly Hughes speak?
Shelly Hughes speaks English.
How do patients rate Shelly Hughes in reviews?
1 patients have reviewed Shelly Hughes. The overall rating for this doctor is 1/5. They have a 1/5 rating for bedside manner and a 1/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.