Therapists answer…

What is therapy like? What does a typical session with you look like?

Tara Thompson

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Rehabilitation Services in 2006 and went on to earn my Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2015 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. I started providing online therapy 4 years ago but I have been in the counseling field for 19 years. My professional background includes working with a wide variety of clients from children to older adults and couples. I am passionate about all matters pertaining to mental and emotional health and well-being. I enjoy helping my clients to be able to identify their own strengths and to start believing in their capabilities to achieve their goals and realize their dreams. I feel that, often, the necessary ingredient for this to happen is simply having someone believe in you and to walk side-by-side in the journey. I provide online therapy services using secure video teleconferencing for the comfort, convenience, added privacy and safety of my clients. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and my pets. I enjoy traveling and going to the gym

View Profile (618) 731-5264

Julie Gislason

Licensed Independent Social Worker/Therapist

Online Therapy

What does a typical session with you tend to look like?

Sessions are 1-hour sessions (90 minutes for couples) and depending on your needs can be twice a week, weekly, or bi-weekly based on what we determine is the appropriate level of care. The duration of therapy will be determined by your needs and goals as identified by you and me collectively.

One of my core values is that you feel safe, seen, heard and accepted. Because I believe in the uniqueness of each individual, I carefully integrate different methods of treatment to achieve your treatment goals.

View Profile (513) 506-2330

Patty Dumont

LCSW

Online Therapy

What does a typical session with you tend to look like?

First and foremost, please do not feel like you have to come to any session with an agenda as I see that create so much anxiety for people. Its my job to assist and facilitate the dialogue and you will find quickly that it will occur naturally. I believe that this is a collaborative effort and welcome feedback. While I feel I have a good sense of when an intervention is not effective and making necessary adjustments, I try to create a space in which anyone who sees me feels safe and free to share if something is not working. Sessions typically involve questions, dialogue, as well as assisting with the development of the tools you need to meet your goals. There is not one approach that fits all but we will work together to develop a plan that works for you.

I have been licensed since 2006 gaining my clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings with individuals, couples, and families 12 years and up.

View Profile (786) 755-1863

Shonta Williams

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Online Therapy

What does a typical session with you tend to look like?

A typical session with me is building rapport with the client, by first discussing what conflict or presenting issue led the client to therapy, then processing at the client's level of comfort, to help the client gain clarity. Together with the client, we will develop a treatment plan for change or acceptance.

Shonta Williams received her MSW from the University of Georgia. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 18 years of experience working with adolescents, individuals, couples and families on issues of anxiety, anger management, depression, self-esteem, and life transitions such as divorce, parenting, co-parenting, and grief. I work to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to process their thoughts and emotions and create healthy coping skills and healthy connections with others. My therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based(MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Brief (SFBT). I would be honored to take the journey to healing with you.

View Profile (404) 692-0339

Juliet Kinkade-Black, LMFT

Senior Clinician

What does a typical session with you tend to look like?

View Profile (510) 328-3614

Terri Burns

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

What does a typical session with you tend to look like?

View Profile (972) 277-1217

Maria Pietruszka

Psychotherapist at Say More Mental Health Counseling

Online Therapy

What do therapy sessions with you look like?

I want therapy participants to show up as they are. We will dive only as deep as they are ready to. First, it is important to build trust, I use humor, positive reinforcement and a relatable approach to that. Once that happens some of our sessions are more structured and goal oriented, sometimes we might be discussing some more immediate situations that might have occurred. It is my goal to make client's feel heard and validated while working towards their personalized goals.

Therapy participants at Say More MHC are likely women or those exploring their relationship with alcohol or drug use, seeking empowerment and personal growth. You may be experiencing issues related to gender inequality, societal pressures, stigma, addiction or personal trauma. You may be seeking to understand and challenge the systemic factors affecting your mental health or drug use to reclaim your voice and autonomy for a healthier lifestyle. I provide a collaborative therapeutic relationship where your experiences and perspectives are validated and respected. We can explore identity, relationships, and life choices through the lens of feminist theory while incorporating other evidence based practices like motivational interviewing, DBT & CBT to reach your specific goals. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate life’s difficulties, especially when dealing with issues like substance use or emotional struggles. I’m here to offer a supportive, empowering environment where your experiences are validated and your strengths are nurtured. Together, we can work towards your goals & build the life you envisioned.

View Profile (347) 991-9082

Danielle Bickert

Licensed Professional Counselor

Online & In-Person

What do therapy sessions with you look like?

I allow YOU, the client, to be in the driver’s seat of our sessions. I will follow along with you while you tell me about your mental health journey and the stressors of life you may be experiencing. I will validate and normalize those feelings while also gently challenging you to help further your growth. When conversations slow down (& they might not!), I have lots of worksheets and activities to talk through together to help you think and explore deeper.

Congratulations on taking the first step in your therapy journey! My passion is working with teens and young adults navigating life stressors and anxieties around school/college, relationships, friends, or family. I will be an active listener and provide a safe environment to process challenging feelings.

View Profile (484) 300-9211

Tracy Hatzis

Licensed Professional Counselor

Online & In-Person

What do therapy sessions with you look like?

If you’re looking for someone who is down to earth and are ready for change so you can create the life you want and become a better version of yourself, I may be the therapist for you! Trust and respect are keys to relationships. When we are working together, that is the foundation I strive to build so you can feel respected, safe, and supported when sharing your story.

If you are struggling and you want to reduce your anxiety, depression, stress, and/or relationship conflicts therapy can help. We can work together so you can advocate and care more for yourself and connect to what you need.

View Profile (630) 864-7267

Jenna Sackman

MHC-LP

Online Therapy

What does a typical session with you tend to look like?

I am deeply committed to creating a safe, open, and honest space for you to: 1) share, explore, and process emotions, thoughts, and experiences 2) confront unhealthy and problematic emotional, mental, and behavioral patterns 3) build your self-confidence and self-worth 4) learn and practice healthy coping skills and techniques to resolve conflict and/or generally enhance your personal and inter-personal relationships . We will work together to identify areas of concern, create goals, and implement tangible and results oriented action steps towards realizing those goals.

Hello and welcome! I am a psychotherapist who is passionate about working with individuals and families seeking positive change and compassionate support. I specialize in working with diverse clients, especially young adults, who are navigating through life transitions and who are experiencing anxiety/stress, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, depression and grief/loss. I believe that while pain is inevitable and often uncontrollable, suffering is a choice based on how we process, cope and react to challenges that life throws our way. Therefore, I am focused on ensuring that my clients gain the necessary insight, skills and practical tools to learn how to honor and express their pain without allowing it to control them. Holistic and integrative in my approach, I aim to uniquely tailor therapy sessions to each client’s needs by utilizing a variety of techniques that expand insight and encourage emotional, behavioral and cognitive change.

View Profile (929) 464-5686