- Client-centered therapy
- EMDR methods
- Somatic practices
About April
April Shields is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with 15 years of experience based in Wisconsin. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem struggles, coping with life changes, ADHD, relationship concerns, compassion fatigue, and life purpose questions. April aims to help people notice what’s blocking them and move toward clearer choices in work and relationships.
She uses a collaborative, client-centered approach that focuses on each person’s goals and preferences. Sessions are a place to talk through obstacles, practice new ways of responding, and try exercises that involve body awareness. April includes somatic tools like guided breathing and meditation when they fit the work.
Her trauma work draws on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which she uses alongside mindfulness and somatic methods to address overwhelming memories and bodily reactions. Solution-focused techniques are used when people want concrete steps and short-term goals to manage stress or make a change.
April emphasizes building self-trust and self-love so clients can stop over-analyzing choices and feel steadier in decision making. She also addresses attachment patterns, communication problems, dissociation, family of origin issues, forgiveness, multicultural concerns, and somatization where relevant to a person’s goals.
People who come for help with life purpose can expect practical conversation about values and next steps rather than vague guidance. April works to translate insight into actions that fit a person’s day-to-day life.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on what matters to the person and on clear, present needs. Online sessions can be used to talk through goals, try problem-solving steps, and reflect on what feels workable in daily life.Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a method that helps process traumatic memories by combining focused attention with guided bilateral stimulation. In an online setting this can be used to reduce the intensity of distressing memories and related reactions when the method fits the client’s goals.
Somatic practices include guided breathing, body awareness, and simple movement to notice how stress shows up physically. These can be practiced during sessions to help people learn ways to calm or regulate bodily responses between appointments.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist works collaboratively with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan over time based on what helps.
Session format details were not listed in the biography, so confirm the current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let someone avoid travel time. They also let the therapist and client try exercises together, such as guided breathing or brief grounding, that translate well to a remote setting.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin, California, Arizona
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
April works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, coping with life changes, ADHD, relationship issues, compassion fatigue, and life purpose questions.
How would she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses a collaborative, client-centered style that mixes talk, mindfulness, and somatic exercises to clarify values and identify practical next steps.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 15 years of experience working with people on trauma, stress, and life transitions.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and practices in Wisconsin.
Does she work in languages other than English or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
Session formats were not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions billed or priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.