Patti Hampsten, LCPC

Patti Hampsten is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She entered the helping professions as an addictions counselor and has spent much of her career working within community mental health settings, an experience that shaped her broad clinical skill set and comfort working across a range of concerns.

Today she practices within a private group and provides clinical supervision for local problem-solving court programs, including drug court, mental health court, and veterans court. Patti emphasizes a nonjudgmental, accepting stance that recognizes the logic and motivation behind every behavior and supports clients as they move toward change.

She typically begins work using a client-centered stance and motivational interviewing to build trust and clarify goals, then tailors treatment with additional strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, and skills-building work. Her approach is casual and inviting, aiming to validate feelings and offer practical coping tools that clients can use between sessions.

Patti strives to help people leave each appointment having received compassionate care and at least one useful new tool. She welcomes the chance to collaborate with individuals and families as they pursue their goals.

Approaches and Online Care with Patti Hampsten

Patti integrates client-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral techniques to support change in an online format. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, accepting relationship where a person’s experiences are heard and validated - this foundation helps with a wide range of concerns, from relationship issues to grief. Motivational interviewing is a collaborative method that helps people clarify their own reasons for change and build internal motivation, often helpful for addictions, ambivalence, and life transitions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms.

Patti approaches choosing methods as a collaborative process. She works with each person to match techniques to their goals, preferences, and the problems they bring to therapy, adjusting as progress and needs evolve.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexible access to care. These options allow clients and licensed professionals to connect from different locations and fit therapy into busy schedules, making it easier to maintain continuity of care and practice new skills between appointments.