Patricia Prendergast, LCSW

Patricia Prendergast is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois with 28 years of experience supporting individuals and families through trauma, parenting challenges, addiction, and DCFS navigation. She offers a warm, approachable style that prioritizes listening and practical guidance, helping clients articulate their treatment goals and find workable strategies for day-to-day struggles such as coping with anxiety, grief, and relationship difficulties.

Throughout her career she has worked with both individuals and families, providing steady support for parenting struggles, recovery from addictive behaviors, and healing from abuse and other traumatic experiences. Patricia emphasizes collaborative care, meeting people where they are and tailoring her approach to each personâs needs and preferences.

Clients can expect straightforward, compassionate assistance whether they seek brief problem-focused help or longer-term therapeutic work. Patricia focuses on strengthening self-esteem, addressing mood and anger concerns, and supporting life transitions so clients can move toward clearer goals and improved functioning.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Patricia uses several evidence-informed approaches tailored to each personâs needs. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early and current relationships influence emotions and behavior - it can help with connection issues, abandonment concerns, and relational trauma. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship in which the clientâs perspective guides the work - this approach is useful for building self-esteem, exploring life purpose, and processing grief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical strategies to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors - it is often applied for anxiety, depression, and challenges with coping and habits.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Patricia works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods align best with their goals, preferences, and the issues they bring to therapy, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging provides flexibility for busy schedules, reduces travel time, and makes it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals. These options allow clients to continue care from home or other convenient locations while working toward meaningful change with a therapist.