Monika Breidenbach
I work with adults who may look like they are managing on the outside but feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted on the inside. My style is warm, down-to-earth, and straightforward, and I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely understood while also having a clear sense of how we can move forward. I specialize in anxiety, OCD and intrusive thoughts, panic, perfectionism, burnout, chronic stress, low self-esteem and major life transitions. I enjoy working with professionals who are navigating demanding careers, leadership responsibilities, career changes, or the challenge of balancing work with life.
My path into therapy grew from a deep interest in understanding why we think, feel, and react the way we do—especially during stressful or overwhelming moments.
My approach is active, collaborative, and practical. I draw from CBT, ERP for OCD, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, and somatic work tailoring our work to you rather than expecting you to fit into one particular approach. I incorporate neuroscience because understanding what is happening in your brain and nervous system can make your reactions feel less confusing and can help us figure out what to do differently. I believe therapy should be more than a place to talk about what is wrong. Understanding yourself matters, but so does having tools that help when life gets difficult. Together, we can look at patterns that keep showing up, strengthen your ability to manage uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. I also pay attention to the bigger picture, including how stress, sleep, nutrition, daily habits, and lifestyle may affect emotional well-being. My goal is not to teach you how to be perfectly calm or never have another uncomfortable thought—unfortunately, our brains don’t come with an “off” button. Instead, therapy can help you understand yourself better, trust yourself more, and handle what life and your mind throw at you without letting either one take over. Therapy is available in English and Polish, with daytime, evening, and weekend appointments.
First session
I start with an initial assessment to gain a clear understanding of your concerns, symptoms, background, and what you hope to get out of therapy. From there, we work together to identify meaningful, achievable goals that guide and shape our work moving forward.
Strengths
I believe therapy can be both supportive and productive. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself—whether you need to talk through something difficult, laugh at the absurdity of life, or say something you have been afraid to say out loud. At the same time, I don’t want you to leave wondering, “Okay… but what do I actually do with this?” My style is warm, curious, and direct. As someone with Eastern European roots, I bring a natural appreciation for honesty, resilience, humor, and getting to the point. I understand that sometimes you need compassion and space to process—and sometimes you need someone to respectfully challenge you and help you look at things differently. I listen closely, ask questions that help us get beneath the surface, and help you recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck. I draw from evidence-based approaches, neuroscience, somatic work, and an understanding of how stress, sleep, habits, relationships, and everyday life affect emotional well-being. For me, good therapy is not just about understanding why something is happening—it’s about figuring out what you can do differently. My hope is that you leave our sessions knowing yourself a little better, trusting yourself a little more, and having something practical to take with you into the week ahead.
Ideal clients
You may appear capable and put-together on the outside, but inside your mind rarely slows down. You might replay conversations, overanalyze decisions, or feel pressure to do everything “right.” Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, caring, and responsible individuals who hold themselves to very high standards. Over time, constant overthinking, anxiety, or self-doubt can become exhausting. My ideal clients are often people who have spent years pushing through stress while focusing on everyone else’s needs. They may struggle with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, relationship stress, or major life transitions. What they want most is relief from the constant mental noise. They want to feel calmer, more confident in their decisions, and more connected to themselves and the people around them. The people who come to me usually aren’t looking for “just talk.” They want therapy that helps them understand how their mind works and gives them practical tools they can use in daily life. They are curious, reflective, and open to learning new ways to respond to stress and difficult thoughts.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors to promote positive change and improve overall well-being. My experience with CBT spans a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and various other mood and behavioral issues.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Promotion of psychological flexibility through acceptance. I've found that helping clients cultivate acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences can lead to profound shifts in their relationship with themselves and others.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In my practice, mindfulness-based therapy has been a transformative approach for helping clients cultivate greater self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
In my practice, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) has been an effective and valuable approach for helping clients who have experienced trauma to process their experiences, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and reclaim their lives.
Mind-body approach
Mind-body therapy recognizes the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. I work with clients to explore the ways in which their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs impact their physical health and vice versa. By addressing both aspects simultaneously, clients can experience profound healing and transformation.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- IllinoisLicense 180015711