Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold a Masters in Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois at Chicago, with a concentration in mental health, as well as an MA in Political Science from Szczecin University, Poland. I am also 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 anxiety, depression, and substance misuse find their path to healing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
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 these challenges. I also recognize the important role that our bodies play in our emotional well-being and honor their responses. Think of therapy as a deep-sea dive: amidst the murky waters and obstacles, there are valuable insights and transformative moments—like hidden pearls—that can significantly change your life. Together, we can uncover these insights and work towards a more balanced and fulfilling existence.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I offer a compassionate, honest, direct, and nonjudgmental approach to treatment, fostering collaboration to help clients heal in a safe environment. In my experience I've utilized CBT, DBT, ERP, and ACT modalities, combined with mindfulness and self-compassion practice.
About Izabela Gluszak
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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.