Hi there! My name is Alicia, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I earned my Master's degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2012 and have been practicing in community-based outpatient settings for most of my career. I enjoy helping younger and older adults who may be struggling with a variety of disorders, including depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions (among others). I am focused on helping clients address these challenges in a way that supports their individual needs and personal growth. I believe my ability to connect with people, my genuine and lighthearted approach, and my deep understanding of how life's curveballs can sometimes throw us off of our game are what make me versatile as a clinician.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we will start with brief introductions and you'll have the opportunity to share what brought you to therapy, what your goals are, and ask any questions you might have. Together, we will create an individualized treatment plan, including the aforementioned goals, which will be specifically tailored to your needs. We will use this treatment plan as a roadmap to help you work toward your therapy goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I want you to know that I see the whole person in front of me. I can work with a variety of personalities, symptoms, and presenting challenges without judgment and without having to remain stoic at all times. Some of the most impactful therapy gets accomplished through laughter and being uplifted, which also creates balance for some of the heavier stuff we might cover together.
About Alicia Simmons
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT has been my primary treatment modality and has proven to be an effective treatment for a multitude of clients, including those experiencing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other challenges related to negative thought patterns. Some of the CBT techniques I have worked on with clients include thought restructuring, journaling, deep breathing, role playing, problem solving, and mindfulness.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Some clients find it more effective to focus on the "how" versus the "why" when considering the presenting challenges in their lives. SFBT involves working with the client to figure out what changes they can make in order to alter their course and achieve their goals. Ultimately, clients have to find a solution that works for them and if they identify and try one solution which proves to be ineffective, we can work together to find the next solution.