I am a licensed clinical professional counselor serving clients in Illinois and Missouri, with over 14 years of experience. My goal is simple: to create a comfortable space to feel at ease and make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you’re going through a tough time or want to understand yourself better, we’ll work together at your own pace. I believe everyone has the potential to grow and thrive with the right support, and I’m here to help you build the life you envision for yourself. I believe in using methods that have been proven to work while making sure the approach fits you perfectly. We’ll start with tried-and-true techniques like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy to build a strong foundation. Think of it as creating your personal toolbox of skills and strategies you can use both in and outside our sessions. Science shows us something really interesting: being kinder to ourselves and practicing mindfulness can transform how we handle life’s challenges. These practices help rewire our brains, making us more resilient and better equipped to handle stress. They can even help heal old hurts that might be holding you back. I love seeing my clients discover their inner strength and potential. Together, we’ll find the best combination of techniques that work for you – whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, handle stress better, or simply feel more at peace with yourself. We’ll go at your pace, building on what works and adjusting what doesn’t. The best therapy is both practical and personal. While I use approaches backed by research, your unique needs, and goals will always shape our work together.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Your first therapy session has two main goals: 1. Make a plan In our first meeting, we’ll take time to understand your current situation and what’s bringing you to therapy. While my expertise aligns with many common challenges, we’ll focus on the unique aspects of your life and needs. This will help us determine the best approach for your therapy, what it might involve, and how it can fit into your daily routine. I may also suggest actions for you to work on outside of our sessions, like practicing a specific technique or reading a helpful book. Taking an active role in your healing is an essential part of the process, and together, we’ll create a plan that works for you. 2. Get to Know Each Other Our first session will feel like a two-way conversation. I’ll spend time getting to know you—your main concerns, personal history, and significant events from your life, family, childhood, and career. At the same time, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know me and ask any questions you might have. A strong client-therapist relationship is essential for successful therapy. This relationship, built on trust and mutual understanding, is key in achieving your goals. Research shows that the connection you create with your therapist is one of the best predictors of positive outcomes. While each therapeutic relationship is unique, there are specific values and expectations you can rely on in every session: Compassion and Respect: You’ll be treated with empathy, understanding, and kindness. A Listening Ear: I’ll listen to your experiences and how you interpret them. Evidence-Based Support: You’ll receive strategies and techniques backed by scientific research to help address your struggles. A Safe Space: Sessions are confidential, supportive, and nonjudgmental. Practical Tools: You’ll gain actionable strategies to create meaningful, positive changes in your life. Together, we’ll work to create a supportive partnership, setting the foundation for your growth and well-being.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Clients come to me looking for a therapist who can offer warmth, humor, and realistic solutions in a safe and inclusive space. Therapy should be a place where you feel seen and heard. I use techniques that focus on your strengths and practical solutions, as well as proven methods from research. I also consider how our minds and bodies function to help explain the reasons behind the behaviors and to promote lasting change. My approach sometimes includes assignments and resources that encourage personal development between meetings. I strive to be direct yet compassionate, providing practical insights and tools to help you feel better quickly. I’ll meet you where you are on your unique journey and offer the support you need to manage stress, restore balance, and reclaim your confidence and energy to thrive personally and professionally. You deserve to feel better, and you will—you need help getting there!
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
With over a decade of experience as a licensed therapist, I've had the privilege of helping people just like you work through anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions, and trauma. I work with clients from all walks of life, each facing unique challenges. However, there’s often a common theme—they feel they’re not reaching their full potential. I believe therapy works best when you feel truly heard and understood. My approach combines compassionate listening with evidence-based techniques, tailored to your unique needs and goals. I create a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
About Cassandra Sissom
Serves ages
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. It’s a practical and effective way to manage problems by focusing on the present and finding solutions. Here are some of its benefits, 1. Practical Tools for Everyday Life CBT teaches you skills you can use in your daily life, like how to challenge negative thoughts, manage stress, and solve problems. For example, if you often think, "I always mess things up," CBT helps you question that thought and find a more balanced view. 2. Quick Results Compared to some other therapies, CBT often works in a shorter time. Many people notice improvements after just a few sessions because it’s goal-oriented and focused on specific issues. 3. Improves Mental Health CBT is effective for many challenges, like anxiety, depression, stress, and even habits like procrastination. It helps reduce symptoms by changing patterns of thinking and behavior that might be causing distress. 4. You’re in Control In CBT, you’re an active participant in your therapy. You work with me to set goals and practice what you’ve learned between sessions. This empowers you to take control of your mental health. 5. Backed by Research CBT has been studied a lot and is proven to work for many people. It’s widely recommended by mental health professionals because of its strong evidence base. 6. Builds Confidence By helping you understand and challenge unhelpful thoughts, CBT can improve your confidence and help you feel more in control of your life. Over time, you learn that you have the tools to handle difficult situations. 7. Adaptable to Your Needs CBT can be tailored to fit different people and problems. Whether you’re dealing with work stress, relationship issues, or managing a long-term condition, CBT can be adapted to help. In summary, CBT gives you practical, research-backed tools to change how you think and act, helping you feel better and handle life’s challenges more effectively.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on finding solutions to your challenges instead of spending too much time on the problems themselves. It’s a practical and positive approach that helps you create the change you want. Here are the benefits of SFBT: 1. Focused on Solutions, Not Problems Instead of analyzing what’s wrong, SFBT helps you figure out what’s working in your life and how to build on it. For example, if you’re struggling with stress, the focus is on what helps you feel calm and how to do more of that. 2. Quick and Efficient SFBT is designed to work in fewer sessions than some other types of therapy. It’s goal-oriented and looks for small, meaningful changes that can make a big difference over time. 3. Strengths-Based Approach This therapy highlights your strengths and resources. It encourages you to recognize what you’re already good at and how you’ve successfully handled challenges in the past. 4. Empowering SFBT helps you feel confident about your ability to create change. By focusing on what you want and how to achieve it, you’re empowered to take steps toward a better future. 5. Clear Goals In SFBT, you and I work together to set clear, specific goals for what you want to achieve. This keeps the focus on moving forward and measuring progress. 6. Positive and Hopeful The approach is solution-focused, which means it encourages a positive outlook. It emphasizes that change is always possible, even in small ways, and that you already have tools to improve your situation. 7. Practical and Realistic SFBT helps you identify small, achievable steps that fit into your life. It’s about finding practical ways to create the change you want without overwhelming yourself. 8. Builds on What Works By exploring times when things were going well (even if briefly), SFBT helps you identify what’s effective and how to repeat those successes. In summary, SFBT is a short-term, practical therapy that focuses on your strengths and what’s working in your life. It helps you set clear goals, build confidence, and take positive steps toward solutions, making it a hopeful and empowering way to create change.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a helpful tool in counseling that involves learning about mental health, emotions, and coping strategies. It’s about gaining knowledge to understand yourself better and take control of your well-being. Here are the benefits of psychoeducation: 1. Knowledge is Power Psychoeducation helps you understand what you’re going through, whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, or another challenge. Learning about your condition or situation can reduce confusion and help you feel more in control. 2. Reduces Stigma When you learn that mental health challenges are common and treatable, it can ease feelings of shame or isolation. Psychoeducation helps normalize your experience and encourages self-compassion. 3. Improves Communication Understanding emotions, mental health terms, and strategies for coping can make it easier to talk about what you’re feeling with others. It gives you the language to express yourself and your needs. 4. Practical Skills Psychoeducation doesn’t just teach you about mental health; it also equips you with tools and strategies to manage challenges. For example, you might learn relaxation techniques, how to set boundaries, or ways to reframe negative thoughts. 5. Supports Better Decision-Making When you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you’re better equipped to make choices that benefit your mental health. Psychoeducation gives you the knowledge to identify what’s helpful and what’s not. 6. Helps You Work Through Challenges Learning how the brain and body respond to stress or trauma can help you see your reactions as normal responses, not personal failures. This understanding makes it easier to work through challenges with me. 7. Empowers Independence By learning how mental health works and practicing coping skills, you become more confident in managing your emotions and challenges independently over time. 8. Improves Relationships Psychoeducation can help you understand how your feelings and actions affect others. It can also help loved ones understand what you’re going through, improving communication and strengthening relationships. 9. Tailored to Your Needs Psychoeducation is flexible and can be adapted to your specific situation, whether you’re dealing with stress, parenting challenges, or a mental health diagnosis. In summary, psychoeducation in counseling is about understanding yourself and your mental health better. It gives you knowledge, tools, and confidence to manage challenges, reduce stigma, and take steps toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach designed to help you find your own reasons for making positive changes in your life. It’s supportive, non-judgmental, and focused on what matters most to you. Here are the benefits of MI: 1. You’re in the Driver’s Seat MI is all about you. Instead of being told what to do, you explore your own values, goals, and reasons for change. It’s a collaborative process where your voice matters most. 2. Builds Motivation If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about making a change, MI helps you uncover why change might be important to you. It focuses on strengthening your own motivation, not relying on external pressure. 3. Non-Judgmental and Supportive I'll listen without judgment and work with you to understand your struggles and goals. MI creates a safe space where you feel respected and heard. 4. Helps Resolve Ambivalence It’s normal to feel torn about making a change. MI helps you explore both sides—why change feels hard and why it’s worth it—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. 5. Focuses on Your Strengths MI emphasizes your strengths and abilities. It encourages you to recognize what you’re already capable of and builds on those skills to help you succeed. 6. Effective for Many Challenges Whether you’re dealing with health issues, addiction, lifestyle changes, or personal goals, MI can help. It’s a flexible approach that works for a wide range of situations. 7. Encourages Realistic Goals MI doesn’t push for big, overwhelming changes. Instead, it helps you set realistic, achievable goals that feel manageable and meaningful. 8. Boosts Confidence By exploring your successes and what’s worked for you in the past, MI helps you see that you already have the tools to make positive changes. This boosts your self-belief. 9. Builds Lasting Change Since MI focuses on your internal motivation, the changes you make are more likely to stick. You’re not just following instructions; you’re creating a life that aligns with your values. 10. Empowers Personal Growth Through MI, you learn more about yourself—your values, priorities, and dreams. This self-awareness helps you grow and make choices that truly fit who you are. In summary, Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, supportive approach that helps you explore your own reasons for change. It builds your confidence, focuses on your strengths, and empowers you to take meaningful steps toward a better future.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach in counseling and support services that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and prioritizes safety, understanding, and empowerment. It focuses on creating a supportive environment that fosters healing and avoids re-traumatization. Here’s an overview of the benefits and principles of trauma-informed care: 1. Recognizes the Impact of Trauma TIC starts with the understanding that many people have experienced trauma, which can affect how they think, feel, and act. This awareness helps create a more compassionate and understanding approach to care. 2. Creates a Safe Space Safety—physical, emotional, and psychological—is at the heart of TIC. The goal is to make sure you feel secure and respected, so you can begin to heal without fear or judgment. 3. Focuses on Building Trust A trauma-informed approach prioritizes trust and transparency. I'll openly communicate what to expect, listen to your concerns, and respect your boundaries to build a trusting relationship. 4. Avoids Re-Traumatization TIC ensures that processes and interactions are sensitive to your experiences. The goal is to avoid triggering painful memories or emotions, so you feel supported rather than overwhelmed. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach in counseling and support services that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and prioritizes safety, understanding, and empowerment. It focuses on creating a supportive environment that fosters healing and avoids re-traumatization. Here’s an overview of the benefits and principles of trauma-informed care, explained in simple terms: 1. Recognizes the Impact of Trauma TIC starts with the understanding that many people have experienced trauma, which can affect how they think, feel, and act. This awareness helps create a more compassionate and understanding approach to care. 2. Creates a Safe Space Safety—physical, emotional, and psychological—is at the heart of TIC. The goal is to make sure you feel secure and respected, so you can begin to heal without fear or judgment. 3. Focuses on Building Trust A trauma-informed approach prioritizes trust and transparency. Providers openly communicate what to expect, listen to your concerns, and respect your boundaries to build a trusting relationship. 4. Avoids Re-Traumatization TIC ensures that processes and interactions are sensitive to your experiences. The goal is to avoid triggering painful memories or emotions, so you feel supported rather than overwhelmed. 5. Empowers You Trauma can make people feel powerless, so TIC emphasizes your strengths and helps you regain a sense of control. You’re encouraged to take an active role in your healing and decision-making. 6. Respects Your Individual Experience TIC recognizes that everyone responds to trauma differently. Your cultural background, personal history, and coping strategies are respected, and care is tailored to your unique needs. 7. Supports Emotional Regulation Trauma can make managing emotions difficult. TIC provides tools and strategies to help you feel more grounded and in control, fostering a sense of stability. 8. Builds Healthy Relationships TIC emphasizes the importance of connection and healthy relationships in healing. I'll work with you to foster trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. 9. Focuses on Strengths, Not Deficits Instead of focusing solely on what’s wrong, TIC highlights your strengths and resilience. It helps you build on what’s working to create a foundation for recovery. 10. Applicable in Many Settings TIC isn’t just for therapy—it’s used in schools, healthcare, workplaces, and community services. Wherever it’s applied, it aims to create a trauma-sensitive environment that promotes well-being. Trauma-Informed Care is a compassionate approach that prioritizes your safety, respects your experiences, and focuses on empowering you to heal. It creates a supportive environment where you’re treated with understanding, respect, and care, helping you rebuild a sense of control and resilience.