Lily Shinn, LCSW

Lily Shinn is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of practice in Illinois. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, and big life transitions. She also supports those struggling with self-esteem, motivation, depression, ADHD, and relationship concerns.

Her work begins by building a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can speak openly. She encourages straightforward talk about what is worrying someone now and what small steps might help. Sessions aim to make problems easier to manage rather than overwhelming.

Lily has spent much of her career guiding people through loss, chronic illness, caregiving strain, and end-of-life concerns. She also addresses family of origin issues, blended family challenges, and the practical strains of divorce or separation. Aging and geriatric issues are among the areas she focuses on alongside hospice and caregiver support.

She uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each person. The goal is to find approaches that fit someone’s daily life and goals, whether that means pacing changes, building coping skills, or improving communication. Over time clients work toward clearer choices and steadier routines.

Beginning therapy with Lily involves a steady, practical approach. She emphasizes listening first, then helping people set small, realistic goals. Her style is direct but compassionate, with attention to the pressures people carry in work, caregiving, and long-term health concerns.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online care

Many of the techniques Lily uses are described as evidence-based therapeutic techniques. That typically means using structured, practical methods to help with symptoms like anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. For example, one common evidence-based approach involves building coping skills and routines to reduce daily worry and increase functioning. Another focuses on grief and loss work, helping people process loss at a manageable pace and find ways to honor what they’ve experienced.

Choosing the right method is part of the work together. The therapist will listen to a person’s goals, try different approaches when needed, and collaborate on what feels most helpful. This is an active process where adjustments are expected as progress is tracked.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel and allowing quicker scheduling around work or caregiving. Some people find remote sessions let them keep momentum between appointments and bring real-life situations into discussion. Confirm the current session options before booking to know which remote formats are available and to pick what best suits daily routines.