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Lauren Oestmann

Lauren Oestmann

LCSW

Illinois

Practical, strengths-based therapy with clear steps

Continue with Lauren

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, Illinois / 149.014605
Experience
15 years
Languages
English
Location
Illinois

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

    • Strengths focused
    • Goal oriented
    • Skill building

    About Lauren

    Lauren Oestmann is a licensed clinical social worker who practices in Illinois. She brings 15 years of experience across settings such as residential substance abuse, adoption preservation, corrections, and private practice. Lauren greets new clients with calm encouragement and a practical focus on next steps.

    Her approach centers on the person in front of her. She uses straightforward, goal-focused conversations to help people clarify what matters and what to try next. Sessions emphasize strengths, real-world coping tools, and small changes that add up over time.

    Lauren integrates several therapeutic methods to fit each person’s needs. She draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thought patterns. Dialectical behavior therapy skills are used for emotion regulation and tolerating distress. Motivational Interviewing helps when someone feels stuck or unsure about making a change.

    She has worked with a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, grief, parenting strain, sleep problems, and ADHD. Lauren aims to make sessions practical and readable for busy lives. She encourages questions and collaborates on plans that feel doable.

    To begin, Lauren asks about current goals and what has helped before. She then builds a plan that matches a person’s pace and priorities. The emphasis is on steady progress and usable skills rather than quick fixes.

  2. How her approaches translate to online therapy

    Lauren commonly uses Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions. Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people find their own reasons for change through open conversation and gentle guidance; it can be useful for addictions, readiness to change, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns, which helps with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.

    Finding the right approach is a team effort. Lauren works with each person to decide which methods match their goals and comfort level. She checks in about what is working and adjusts the plan based on progress and preferences.

    Because the biography does not list specific online formats, confirm available session types before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy routines, shorten travel time, and allow for timely check-ins around work or childcare. Some formats may be better for shorter symptom check-ins while others suit longer therapy conversations; discuss options when you schedule to find what fits your life.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression

    Also works with

    Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

    Therapeutic approaches

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    15+ years

    Listed in

    Illinois

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Lauren address?

    She works with a variety of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, grief, parenting strain, sleep problems, ADHD, and related concerns.

    How would you describe her therapeutic style?

    Her style is client centered, strength based, and solution focused, using clear, practical conversations to set goals and build skills.

    What is her background and experience?

    Lauren has 15 years of experience across settings such as residential substance abuse treatment, adoption preservation, corrections, and private practice.

    What credentials and region are listed?

    She is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - practicing in Illinois.

    Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?

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

    What session formats are offered?

    Specific session formats are not listed in the biography; please confirm current session options before booking.

    How are costs handled for sessions?

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

    How do I begin working with Lauren?

    Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist 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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