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Alisa Cates

Alisa Cates

LCPC

Illinois

Therapist focused on listening and practical change

Continue with Alisa

At a glance

Credentials
LCPC
License
LCPC, Illinois / 180.012524
Experience
13 years
Languages
English
Location
Illinois

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Person-centered approach
    • Goal-focused work
    • Practical tools

    About Alisa

    Alisa Cates, LCPC, offers a calm, person-centered approach to therapy. She emphasizes listening first and helping people feel heard. Her style is practical and straightforward, aimed at reducing stress and improving daily functioning.

    She has been licensed in Illinois since 2013 and brings 13 years of clinical experience. That work has included community mental health, inpatient hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, corrections, and private practice. These settings shaped how she helps people cope with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, and life transitions.

    In sessions she blends Client-Centered Therapy with practical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. This means conversations focus on the person's goals while also identifying thoughts and behaviors that get in the way. She adapts tools to each person rather than using a single method for everyone.

    Alisa works with a wide range of concerns, including parenting challenges, anger, addictions, relationship and family stress, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. She also addresses issues like isolation, midlife questions, money stress, and postpartum mood changes.

    Her approach starts with building rapport and understanding what matters most to the individual. From there she and the person set clear, doable steps to move forward. The aim is steady progress over time, not quick fixes.

  2. How therapeutic approaches shape online sessions

    Alisa uses Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening, empathy, and helping people explore what matters to them. Conversations aim to build trust and let the person lead while the therapist reflects and clarifies what is said.

    She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a hands-on approach that looks at how thoughts and behaviors affect mood. CBT helps people try small, practical changes and track what works. Motivational Interviewing is used when someone wants to make a change but feels unsure; it uses open questions and reflective listening to strengthen motivation and commitment.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That selection can change over time as progress is made and priorities shift.

    If you are considering online sessions, confirm the available session formats before booking so you know what options exist. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Therapists work with clients to shape session length and pacing so therapy fits into everyday life.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression

    Also works with

    AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

    Additional focus areas

    Aging and geriatric issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesEmptinessForgivenessImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy

    Experience

    13+ years

    Listed in

    Illinois

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of concerns can be addressed here?

    Common topics include stress, anxiety, depression, parenting strain, anger, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, career questions, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

    How would you describe the therapy style?

    The therapist uses a person-centered style and mixes in practical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to help people set goals and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

    What background does the therapist bring to sessions?

    She has 13 years of experience working in community mental health, inpatient hospitalization, intensive outpatient programming, corrections, and private practice.

    What are the therapist's credentials and location?

    The clinician practices as an LCPC licensed in Illinois and has been licensed since 2013.

    Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?

    Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.

    What session formats are offered?

    Please confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are available for scheduling.

    How is payment handled and what does it cost?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with this therapist?

    Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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