Somatic-Therapists

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April Shields, LPC, LPCC

Helping people build self-trust and calm

AS Portrait of April Shields

About April

April Shields is a licensed professional counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life changes. She works with people managing ADHD, relationship struggles, compassion fatigue, and those seeking coaching around purpose and self-love. April creates a calm space where people can explore what’s getting in the way of living the life they want.

Her sessions are collaborative and practical. April starts by asking what matters most to the client and then crafts sessions around those goals.

Book with April Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Background and approach

She uses simple, grounded tools such as breathwork and guided meditation alongside talking through patterns and choices. April brings 15 years of clinical practice to her work and holds LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) credentials.

She draws on several approaches to meet different needs, including somatic, mindfulness, and solution-focused methods, and uses EMDR when trauma work is appropriate. Her style is steady and non-judgmental. Clients are invited to notice the body and the mind together.

April emphasizes building self-trust, self-compassion, and clearer decision making as practical outcomes of therapy. People who come to April often want straightforward tools they can use between sessions. She supports exploration of family of origin issues, attachment and communication challenges, dissociation, multicultural concerns, and somatization while helping clients move toward more confidence and clearer priorities.

How somatic and talk therapies work online

Somatic Therapy brings attention to physical sensations, breath, and posture to help people notice how stress and emotion show up in the body. Online sessions can include guided breathwork and grounded exercises to practice between meetings and during video calls.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a trusting relationship so clients can find their own solutions. In remote sessions this often looks like reflective conversation, goal setting, and gentle coaching tailored to each person.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is used for trauma processing and involves structured steps to help reduce distress tied to memories. With a therapist’s guidance, some EMDR elements can be adapted to online video work when appropriate for the client's needs.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit their goals, symptoms, and comfort level. That exploration can shift over time as needs change.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions around work, family, and daily life while still accessing licensed professionals. Many people find the mix of live conversation and short between-session practices useful for steady progress.
Book with April Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does April address?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, coping with life changes, ADHD, relationship challenges, coaching needs, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and non-judgmental. She blends talking, body-based techniques, and practical exercises to meet individual goals.
What is her clinical background?
April has 15 years of experience working with clients in clinical settings and independent practice.
What credentials and location information are listed?
She holds LPC and LPCC credentials with licence numbers WI LPC 5189-125 and CA LPCC 16679, and she practices from Wisconsin.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be arranged via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.