Find a therapist in Norman, OK — covered by insurance

It takes courage to reach out for help! Showing up that first time may be the hardest part of the journey. Being someone who has sat in that chair, I have a good idea how you are feeling. Being someone who has done her own personal work of therapy and helped hundreds of others with theirs, I also know how much better life can be! Emotional wounds can be heavy. Medication may help, but the feelings can make living feel like swimming with a shot put ball.

I strive to come alongside those struggling to provide support, education and encouragement. I have worked with clients from age 5 to 103, and what I have found to be most important is the connection (or the “fit.”) You need a therapist you can bring your authentic self to. You are hiring me to do a job, to help you think, feel, and behave better. I want that for you, even if it is not me, so never be afraid to interview a few therapists before deciding! After all, if it is me, I will be in your corner and I will challenge you, at the same time. You want to know you chose wisely for yourself.

I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 3 years, and I specialize in family systems, child play therapy. I also work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

If you've been carrying something heavy — past trauma, anxiety that won't quiet down, or the sense that old experiences are still quietly running your life — you're in the right place. I specialize in helping adults get to the root of what's holding them back, using EMDR and trauma-informed approaches to identify the beliefs that drive our behaviors without us even realizing it.

I've been doing this work since 2018, and one thing I've come to believe deeply: the goal isn't happiness — it's balance, and a more realistic relationship with yourself and your life. Everyone has mental health. You deserve the tools to have real agency over yours.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Oklahoma with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life's most difficult challenges. I specialize in panic, anxiety, depression, trauma, and anger management, helping clients build the skills they need to heal and thrive.

Life doesn't come with an instruction manual. When emotions feel intense, relationships become difficult, or stress starts affecting everyday life, having the right tools can make a real difference.

For more than 8 years, I’ve helped clients develop practical skills to better manage emotions, cope with difficult situations, improve relationships, and move forward with greater confidence.

My practice specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—a practical, skills-based approach that focuses on learning how to navigate life's challenges while building a life that feels more manageable and meaningful.

Counseling can help you:

• Understand and manage difficult emotions • Develop healthier ways to cope with stress • Strengthen relationships and communication • Set and maintain healthy boundaries • Increase self-awareness and mindfulness • Navigate transitions and challenges • Build confidence in handling difficult moments

I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I work with children, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, and family challenges, empowering each client to reclaim their strength, build resilience, and thrive in their everyday lives.

I’m Shelly Hughes, LCSW, a therapist and the owner of Wonder Works Counseling. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 2022 and my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Oklahoma City University. My approach to therapy is warm, practical, trauma-informed, and focused on helping clients understand themselves rather than simply trying to “fix” symptoms.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, emotional dysregulation, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and challenges related to self-esteem and coping. I have specialized training in EMDR, Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Somatic Therapy, CBT, and DBT. With children, I often use play-based approaches to help them communicate and process experiences in ways that feel natural and developmentally appropriate. With adults, I integrate evidence-based approaches with trauma-focused and somatic techniques to help clients develop greater emotional awareness, regulation, and resilience.

I believe therapy should be a place where you can be honest without feeling judged. Many of the people I work with have spent years feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or like they are somehow “too much” or “not enough.” My goal is to create a space where you can slow down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and develop tools that actually fit your life.

I especially enjoy working with clients who are navigating ADHD, trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, and relationship or family stress. I also work with parents who are trying to better understand and support their children.

My goal is not to tell you who you should be. It is to help you understand yourself, heal from what you have experienced, and build a life that feels more manageable and authentic to you.