- CBT approaches
- Client-centered work
- Trauma-focused care
About Chelsea
Dr. Chelsea Dumas is a clinical psychologist licensed in Michigan and Illinois with 12 years of professional experience. She helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, anger, sleep problems, relationship strain, low self-esteem, and the ups and downs of major life changes.
She uses a practical mix of approaches to make therapy useful in day-to-day life. That includes client-centered work that follows a person's pace, cognitive-behavioral ideas to notice and shift unhelpful thoughts, and trauma-focused strategies when past events continue to cause distress. Sessions focus on concrete skills and steps rather than vague promises.
Dumas pays attention to how a person's environment and relationships affect coping and decisions. She looks at family patterns and the wider social context to understand where problems start and how they keep happening. That perspective is often brought into work on substance use and recovery questions.
People who are dealing with drug or alcohol problems are a common part of her caseload. She supports those currently using, those trying to stop, people in longer-term recovery, and their friends and family members as they cope with the effects of substance use.
Her clinical experience also includes treating depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and mood disorders. She works with common concerns such as sleep difficulty, body-image and self-esteem struggles, motivation, and managing anger so it does less harm in day-to-day life.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-centered therapy is about following a person's pace and focusing on the goals they say matter most. Online sessions allow the therapist to listen, reflect, and shape plans that fit a person's daily life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical skills to notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. That work can include short exercises, thought records, and skill practice between sessions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, builds coping tools for strong emotions and teaches ways to manage reactions, which can be practiced during and after online appointments.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and what feels manageable. That plan can shift as progress or new issues emerge.
The specific session formats for this therapist are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work, family, and recovery commitments. They can allow shorter check-ins, reduce travel time, and make routine skill practice more convenient while the therapist and client test which approaches work best together.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Illinois, Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, anger, sleep problems, relationship concerns, and life changes.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She blends client-centered work with cognitive-behavioral and trauma-focused methods, aiming for practical skills and gradual change at a client's pace.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 12 years of experience as a clinical psychologist working in clinical settings and with diverse concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Michigan Psychologist and an Illinois Psychologist and practices from Michigan.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial appointment.