AS Portrait of April Shields

April Shields, LPC, LPCC

Calm, practical therapy for anxiety and stress

15 years in practice · based in Wisconsin · sessions in English · online sessions

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About April

April Shields is a licensed counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, and challenges with self-esteem. She works with clients who are dealing with life changes, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and relationship concerns. April aims to create a calm space where individuals can start to trust themselves again and make clearer choices.

She practices in Wisconsin and brings 15 years of experience to the work. April meets people where they are and treats therapy as a team effort.

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

Background and approach

Sessions focus on practical steps that match each person's goals and daily life needs. Her approach blends talking with body-focused methods. She uses somatic exercises such as guided breathing and grounding to help people notice and ease tension in the body.

Mindfulness techniques and client-centered conversation help people slow down and sort through upsetting thoughts. April also incorporates EMDR and solution-focused strategies when appropriate to address trauma and to move toward specific goals. These tools are chosen with the client's preferences and pace in mind rather than applied the same way for everyone.

The heart of her work is helping people build self-trust, self-compassion, and self-love. She supports clients as they practice new ways of relating to themselves, make different choices, and take small steps toward a life that feels more meaningful and manageable.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-centered therapy invites the therapist and client to set goals together and focus sessions on what matters most to the person. It relies on listening, reflection, and practical problem solving to help people feel heard and move forward. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, uses structured techniques to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and related reactions; it can be adapted for online sessions and can help people who have persistent trauma symptoms. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple awareness and breathing exercises to reduce worry and ground attention, often through short practices that can be done during or between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. April will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and comfort level. She adjusts pacing and tools based on how a person responds, so clients can try different techniques and keep what helps.

Online therapy offers practical benefits like flexibility and easier access. Video calls let therapists and clients use visual cues and guided exercises, while phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be simpler to fit into a busy day. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for brief check-ins, journaling between sessions, or ongoing support without scheduling a full call. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, family, and travel.
Book with April Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does April focus on?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, coping with life changes, ADHD, relationship and compassion fatigue concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a collaborative, client-centered style that combines talk therapy with practical exercises and compassionate listening.
What is her experience in the field?
April has 15 years of clinical experience working with a range of concerns related to trauma, anxiety, and life transitions.
What credentials and region are listed?
She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and is based in Wisconsin with licensure noted as WI LPC and CA LPCC.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
15 years
Licensed
Wisconsin, California, Arizona
Languages
English

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