Alisa Cates, LCPC

Alisa Cates is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 13 years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, parenting challenges, relationship and family concerns, and other life changes.

She has practiced in community mental health agencies, inpatient settings, intensive outpatient programs, corrections, and private practice. That variety means she has helped people during crises and through longer term struggles. Alisa emphasizes listening first and building a strong working relationship.

Her primary orientation is client-centered therapy. That means sessions begin with the client’s concerns and goals. She integrates methods that fit each person, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused ideas when helpful.

In sessions she focuses on practical steps and clearer thinking. That can include spotting unhelpful thought patterns, naming emotional triggers, and practicing different interaction strategies. She also assists with planning around work, parenting, grief, and major life transitions.

People who come because of anger or frequent conflict often work on awareness of triggers, alternative responses, and repairing relationships. For stress, mood disorders, ADHD, or compassion fatigue she blends skills work with reflective discussion. She invites questions about how therapy would fit into a person’s life and next steps for scheduling a first meeting.

Approach and what online sessions involve