I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). I've been working as a mental health therapist for the past 4 years and serve clients in Illinois, helping adults struggling with mental health concerns find their path to healing. I welcome clients from all walks of life and have a special interest in working with immigrant population.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I specialize in treatment of trauma, complex trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and OCD. My treatment approach emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the client's developmental history, the impact of the environment, and the body as it is experienced and lived.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In my practice, I offer a compassionate and holistic approach to therapy. By combining relational talk therapy with mindfulness, self-compassion practices, and skill-building techniques, I provide a supportive space for you to explore and address challenges you may have. I also recognize the important role that our bodies play in our emotional well-being and honor their responses.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Navigating through significant life changes or striving to transform your life can be challenging. Many people seek a more fulfilling life but find themselves held back by fears, unhelpful beliefs, or past traumatic experiences.
About Izabela Gluszak LCSW, CADC
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past four years. It helps challenge reoccurring, unhelpful thoughts, examine and change behaviors, and accept a wider range of emotions.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I've used DBT working with clients struggling with a variety of issues, from PTSD, anxiety, depression, to substance misuse. Clients learn skills helping them manage their internal experiences. One of my client said "Why isn't this taught in schools? Everyone should know DBT!", and I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment.
Mind-body approach
Mindfulness, or being aware of the present moment, without worrying about the future or ruminating on the past is very much a part of my work with clients. We are not just thoughts and emotions, we are a whole person with body and mind affecting our wellbeing. In my session we may turn our attention to the body, we may talk about how the body responds to our life experiences.
Motivational Interviewing
People are often ambivalent about our lives and choices we make. With MI, I strive to help clients become aware of the change they want to see in their lives and encourage them to move toward their goals.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
This is considered a gold standard treatment for OCD. I've worked with clients with various types and severity of OCD and seen them improve substantially when using ERP.