Dolores "Del" Larkin, LCSW - Therapist in Illinois

About Dolores

Dolores "Del" Larkin is a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience. She uses a blend of practical, evidence-based approaches to help people break patterns that keep them stuck. Del talks plainly in sessions and focuses on small, doable changes that add up over time.

Del often works with people who struggle with anxiety, stress, or low self-esteem. She also helps with depression, relationship trouble, addictive behaviors, grief, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

Her practice includes attention to issues such as impulsivity, codependency, communication problems, and family concerns. Her style is collaborative and direct. She listens first to understand what matters most, then offers tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

She also draws on attachment-based and emotionally-focused ideas to address how relationships and early patterns affect current life. Sessions focus on concrete skills and clearer thinking alongside deeper work about patterns and attachment. Del encourages practical steps clients can try between sessions.

She views therapy as a team effort toward change. Del holds an LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and practices in Illinois. She offers care in English and accepts international clients.

Sessions are available through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How Del's Approaches Work Online

Del brings cognitive behavioral therapy and attachment-based ideas into online sessions in a straightforward way. CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises and skill building; it can help with anxiety, low mood, and struggles with impulsivity. Attachment-based work looks at how early relationship patterns shape current relationships and self-view; it helps when relationship issues, trust, or feelings of not being good enough are central.

Finding the right blend is a collaborative process. Del listens to what matters most and tailors the plan to each person's needs and goals. Together clients and Del decide whether more skills training, emotion-focused work, or relational exploration will be most useful at any point.

Online sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging to make therapy more flexible. These formats let people fit regular work into busy lives, try tools between meetings, and stay connected when in-person visits are hard. Licensed professionals can use these options to maintain continuity of care and adapt methods so work in sessions transfers to everyday life.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she address?

Del helps with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, grief, addictions, trauma and life transitions. She also addresses related concerns such as codependency, communication problems, and impulsivity.

What is her therapeutic style like?

She combines practical skills training with deeper conversation about patterns and relationships. Sessions are collaborative and focused on small, actionable steps as well as exploring underlying issues.

How long has she practiced?

Del has 20 years of clinical experience working with adults on a range of concerns including mood, anxiety, and relationship challenges.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois. The license number on record is IL LCSW 149.009735.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is able to work with international clients who use that language.

In what formats are sessions offered?

Appointments can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Self esteem

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 20 years
Licensed: Illinois
Languages: English

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