Therapist profile
Lauren Oestmann, LCSW
Illinois
LCSW - anger and trauma support
Continue with LaurenKey details
- CredentialsLCSW
- LicenseLCSW, Illinois / 149.014605
- NPI1174196455
- Experience15 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationIllinois
About
- CBT and DBT skills
- Motivational interviewing
- Solution-focused steps
About Lauren
Lauren Oestmann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois with 15 years of clinical experience. She has worked in a variety of settings and supports people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, and related concerns.
Her background includes work in residential substance-abuse treatment, adoption preservation, corrections, and clinics serving children, teens, and families. Those roles shaped a practical approach to common problems like sleeping trouble, low self-esteem, relationship strain, parenting stress, career transitions, and grief.
In sessions she leans on evidence-based tools. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are used to help identify patterns of thinking and manage strong emotions. Motivational Interviewing supports change when someone feels stuck, and Trauma-Focused Therapy is applied when past hurts keep showing up in daily life.
Lauren describes her style as client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused. That means she works with people to spot what’s working, build useful skills, and set short-term goals. Conversations are straightforward and aimed at practical shifts rather than lengthy theory talk.
People who come to her often want clear strategies for handling anger, stress, or substance use, and prefer a therapist who combines skill-building with direct problem solving. Lauren offers help in English and practices from Illinois.
How sessions work
How Lauren applies approaches in online sessions
Lauren commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people notice and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT breaks problems into small pieces so practical strategies can be practiced between sessions, which helps with anger, anxiety, and sleep issues.She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. DBT skills are aimed at reducing high reactivity and improving how someone copes when feelings run hot. Motivational Interviewing is used when change feels stalled; it helps people weigh options and find their own reasons to move forward.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lauren will discuss goals, try techniques, and adjust plans together so the methods fit the client’s needs and preferences. That collaborative process guides whether sessions emphasize skills practice, trauma processing, or short-term problem solving.
Session formats were not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day - for example a shorter check-in during a work break, or a video session when travel is difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt homework, skills coaching, and goal-setting to work well in remote appointments.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, sleep difficulties, parenting, self-esteem, career issues, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused style that emphasizes practical skills and short-term goals.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 15 years of experience working in a range of settings including residential substance-abuse treatment, adoption preservation, corrections, and private practice.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices from that state.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.