Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my Masters in Science from Benedictine University and have been practicing for over 8 years. I help adults struggling with mental health, addiction, and other concerns to become the best versions of themselves. I am highly skilled and compassionate therapist with a proven track record of helping clients improve their mental health and well-being through evidence-based interventions.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having worked with many clients for the past 8 years, I've developed a tried-and-true playbook for helping you (a) identify the root cause of your challenges and (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress.
About Amanda Straka
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Conducting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) seems pretty straightforward: I explain to the client how thoughts lead to feelings. We examine the client's beliefs. I show them how they are distorting their thoughts, leading to negative feelings. I help the client change their thoughts.
Compassion Focused
In CFT, adding to the validation for the client's experience and demonstrating empathy in a compassionate way, the therapist helps the client to integrate their desires and decide how to react to problems and pain by using the client's compassionate self.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT therapists help their clients identify and understand their emotions, as well as develop healthy strategies for managing them. This may involve learning relaxation techniques, engaging in pleasurable activities, or practicing self-care. Distress tolerance is another important skill taught in DBT therapy.
Motivational Interviewing
The therapist's goal is to encourage their client to express concerns that lead to motivation and, eventually, to positive change. In other words, the therapist must guide the client to recognize that their life can become better and help them choose ways to begin the change process.