Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 37 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Life Transitions, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) and 9 more.

Monika Breidenbach

LCPC, 9 years of experience
Authentic
Intelligent
Direct
VirtualAvailable

If you’re struggling with anxiety, OCD, overthinking, burnout, stress, low self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, or major life changes, you’re not alone. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns they can’t seem to break. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical coping skills, and create lasting change. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and a Certified Neuropsychotherapy Practitioner. I specialize in anxiety, OCD, depression, burnout, trauma (C-PTSD), emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I work with children, teens, and adults. My approach is warm, active, and collaborative. I integrate evidence-based therapies including CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, and neuropsychotherapy to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and nervous system. Together, we’ll identify the patterns keeping you stuck and develop practical strategies to help you move forward. I believe therapy should be more than a place to vent. While I provide support and compassion, I also help clients build real-world tools they can use outside of sessions. As a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, I also consider how factors like stress, sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle impact emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking to reduce anxiety, manage OCD, heal from trauma, improve self-confidence, strengthen relationships, or navigate a life transition, therapy can help. Fluent in English and Polish, I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can gain insight, build resilience, and create meaningful change.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

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.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is balancing warmth and compassion with a practical, results-oriented approach. Clients often tell me they feel understood, supported, and comfortable opening up, while also appreciating that our sessions are active and focused on meaningful progress. I tailor therapy to each individual’s needs and integrate evidence-based approaches, neuroscience, and a holistic understanding of mental health. Rather than simply talking about problems, I help clients identify patterns, build effective coping skills, and create lasting change. My goal is for you to leave sessions with greater insight, confidence, and practical tools you can use in everyday life.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

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.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Anger Management

Depression

Postpartum

Self Esteem

Trauma and PTSD

I identify as

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My 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.

, 10 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

February 26, 2026

I appreciate how Monika dives deep into my thought process and feelings even if it is challenging for me. She provides me with new tools and coping mechanisms after each session,which have already helped me in my journey. I find Monika to be a great listener with insightful and intelligent feedback. I look forward to working with her.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 5 with Monika

April 3, 2025

I felt better after just one therapy session with her .

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Monika