Lori Cheek Gilroy, LCSW

Lori Cheek Gilroy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois with 26 years of experience as a counselor and life coach. She has supported individuals and families through depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, career transitions, trauma, and caregiver stress, bringing experience from settings that include a child welfare program, family counseling clinic, family birthing center, crisis intervention agency, and mental health clinic.

Her approach centers on the client - listening carefully, honoring each person as the expert in their own life, and guiding them toward solutions that fit their unique situation. She integrates a holistic perspective that considers mind, body, and spirit, and she draws on a Christ-centered philosophy while maintaining respect for clients of all backgrounds and beliefs. Lori emphasizes a systemic and solution-focused stance, collaborating with clients to set treatment goals tailored to their needs.

Clients can expect a compassionate, respectful clinician who combines practical strategies with empathic support. Lori aims to help people identify strengths, reduce distress, and move forward with clearer direction and greater resilience. She welcomes those ready to take the next step and offers ongoing encouragement throughout the therapeutic process.

Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Support

Lori draws on client-centered therapy to create a supportive environment where the person seeking help is treated as the expert of their own experience. This approach focuses on active listening, empathy, and building trust so clients can explore values, goals, and personal meaning, and it is useful for a wide range of concerns including life transitions, grief, and self-esteem issues.

She also employs solution-focused therapy to help people identify practical steps and strengths they already possess. This method emphasizes small, achievable changes and goal-setting, making it well suited for clients who want concrete strategies for problems like stress, relationship conflicts, or adjustment to new roles.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Lori collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative planning helps shape a treatment path that feels realistic and supportive.

Online therapy with Lori includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility to fit varied schedules and lifestyles. These options make it possible to maintain continuity of care during busy seasons of life, to access therapy from different locations within Illinois, and to choose the communication style that feels most comfortable.