- Addictions focus
- Family of origin issues
- CBT and DBT methods
About Chelsea
Dr. Chelsea Dumas is a clinical psychologist licensed in Michigan and Illinois with 12 years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, family concerns, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship strain, sleep problems, anger, and self-esteem challenges. She also supports people with career stress, bipolar mood issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.
Dr. Dumas uses a mix of approaches that include client-centered work, cognitive behavioral ideas, dialectical behavior techniques, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused methods. In sessions she pays attention to how a person’s family and environment shape current patterns. She helps people notice links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and practices skills to change unhelpful routines.
People affected by substance use, whether they are using, trying to stop, in recovery, or family and friends of someone who uses, are a common focus of her practice. She also spends significant time with depression, anxiety, and symptoms that follow stressful or traumatic events. Concerns such as family of origin issues, guilt and shame, and co-occurring mood disorders are part of her caseload.
Her style is steady and paced to the client. Sessions are aimed at practical steps - skill building, motivational conversations, and examining relationship patterns. Work on sleep, body image, smoking or vaping cessation, and coping during life transitions is handled with concrete strategies.
Dr. Dumas sees clients in Michigan and provides services in English. She holds the credentials MI Psychologist 6301018607 and IL Psychologist 071009812 and has worked clinically for a dozen years.
Approaches used in online sessions
Client-centered work focuses on listening and following the person's pace. It helps people set the goals they care about and keeps sessions focused on what matters to them.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses practical exercises to change unhelpful thinking and build more effective routines for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers specific skills for managing strong emotions and improving stress tolerance. Its skills are useful for anger, emotional overwhelm, and coping during life transitions.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to identify which methods fit best, then adjust based on progress and preferences. That way sessions stay relevant and goal-focused.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist during the matching process about which session length and setup will work best for everyday life.
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 concerns does she address related to family patterns?
She works with family problems, family of origin issues, and how family roles affect current behavior. She also helps with guilt, shame, and relationship strain tied to family dynamics.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Her style blends client-centered listening with practical techniques. She combines motivational interviewing, CBT, and DBT skills to focus on goals and behavior change.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of clinical experience working with a range of concerns including substance use, mood disorders, and trauma-related symptoms.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is a licensed psychologist in Michigan and Illinois and lists Michigan as her location for practice details.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Confirm specific pricing during the sign-up process.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.