Katherine "Katie" Saraga, LCSW

Katherine "Katie" Saraga is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois who brings four years of clinical experience to work with children, teens (ages 13-19), and young adults (ages 20-25), as well as disability advocacy. She maintains a relaxed, empathetic counseling style and is often described as supportive, thoughtful, and possessing a warm sense of humor. Katie emphasizes identifying each person's strengths and helping them build on those assets to navigate obstacles and life transitions, especially those early steps from school into broader adult responsibilities.

Her practice focuses on a range of concerns including stress, anxiety, self-esteem, ADHD, relationship and family issues, grief, sleep difficulties, anger, depression, and coping with life changes, along with coaching and compassion fatigue. She also works with people managing chronic pain, illness, or disability and those seeking support related to autism and Asperger syndrome, dissociation, communication challenges, sensory impairments, intellectual disability, pregnancy and childbirth, and questions of life purpose and self-love.

Katie is a certified Animal Assisted Therapist and her therapy dog, Trekk, is available to accompany sessions on request; clients are asked to contact her before scheduling video sessions. She offers a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for exploration and encourages questions at any time. If urgent help is needed, she asks individuals to call 1-800-273-TALK or 911, since this forum does not provide emergency services.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and then take actions that align with personal values. It can be helpful for stress, anxiety, and navigating life changes by focusing on what matters most to the client.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathetic, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where the therapist follows the client's lead to foster self-understanding and growth. This approach often supports work on self-esteem, relationship concerns, and transitions into adulthood.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines patterns of thinking and behavior to develop practical strategies for managing symptoms like anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and anger. It uses collaborative goal-setting and skill practice to create change.

Finding the right approach is part of the process; the therapist works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions are conducted by licensed professionals who tailor techniques to the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.

Online therapy with this practice is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules and varied comfort levels. Clients can choose the format that fits their life, and Katie asks that clients contact her before scheduling video sessions if they wish to include her therapy dog Trekk in the appointment.