Stefani Jivkova
My name is Stefani and I am a therapist, practicing since 2018. I have my senior counseling license (LCPC) in Illinois. I am also an EMDR trained therapist for trauma work.
I balance compassion with gentle challenges, helping clients explore deeper patterns, connect with themselves, and create meaningful, lasting change.
My professional background includes a wide range, from working with high acuity clients in inpatient and correctional settings to lower acuity clients receiving outpatient telehealth services. I have experience with treating multiple mental health disorders and issues, as well as managing life stressors and adjustments.
First session
In our first session, we will begin by gathering relevant background information to gain better insight on you. We will also begin to discuss the main issue or situation that brought you to therapy. The session will end with establishing treatment goals and our plans for therapy moving forward.
Strengths
I bring warmth, curiosity, and authenticity into each session, creating a space where clients feel seen and understood. I balance compassion with gentle challenges, helping clients explore deeper patterns, connect with themselves, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Ideal clients
I work with adults who may feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, relationship difficulties, or unresolved past experiences. My ideal clients are curious about understanding themselves on a deeper level and exploring how their past may influence their present. Whether you're navigating trauma, life transitions, low self-esteem, or emotional challenges, I welcome individuals who are seeking greater self-awareness, healing, and meaningful change. You don't need to have everything figured out to begin.
Treatment methods
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) views the mind as composed of many different parts. Mindfulness and deep exploration is used to gain insight on parts that the client feels are problematic or controlling them. Understanding and working with these internal parts helps the client achieve greater self-awareness and healing.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a great approach to help re-center clients who are feeling "lost" or "stuck" in their path. This treatment method helps identify clear values for clients and a clear path to reach them. It emphasizes the power of personal choices and incorporates mindfulness techniques.
EMDR
EMDR is a highly effective and researched treatment method to help heal from trauma. It uses the brain's natural healing process to guide the client through resolutions of trauma or distressing events. It can help clients with PTSD, complex/lifelong PTSD or trauma, and even healing negative thought patterns. In addition to eye movements, other techniques such as tapping can be used for the process.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- IllinoisLicense 180014668