Alisa Cates, LCPC

Alisa Cates, LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), offers a compassionate, person-centered approach to therapy that emphasizes being heard and understood without judgment. She recognizes how holding difficult feelings inside can create conflict in relationships and block meaningful change, and she works with clients to create a supportive space that honors each person’s unique experience.

Licensed in Illinois since 2013, Alisa has practiced across a range of clinical settings, including community mental health agencies, inpatient hospitalization, intensive outpatient programming, corrections, and private practice. That breadth of experience informs her work with concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, life transitions, relationship and family difficulties, self-esteem challenges, anger and stress management, interpersonal conflict, and career planning.

Alisa believes that establishing a strong rapport is central to growth and lasting change. She practices from a person-centered foundation while integrating evidence-based techniques that fit each client’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She welcomes the opportunity to meet and discuss what is on someone’s mind and to support steps forward through life’s changes.

Approach-Focused Online Care with Alisa Cates

Alisa draws on client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental environment where the client’s perspective guides the work. This approach helps people who want to be heard and to build trust as a foundation for change.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT can be effective for anxiety, depression, stress, and mood-related concerns by teaching practical skills for coping and problem solving.

Motivational Interviewing supports clients who are ambivalent about change by exploring values and strengthening internal motivation. It can be especially useful for goals related to addiction, lifestyle changes, or moving through difficult transitions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Alisa works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and tailors methods so therapy feels like a good fit.

Online sessions offer flexible options that fit different schedules and comfort levels - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care and access licensed professionals from home, work, or while traveling, supporting consistent progress even when life is busy.