Monica Alvarez, LCPC, LPCC - Therapist in Illinois

About Monica

Monica Alvarez is a bilingual licensed psychotherapist who speaks English and Spanish. She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting concerns, and depression. Her approach is down-to-earth and practical, aimed at helping people take small steps that add up to real change.

Monica uses straightforward conversation to understand what matters most to each person. She treats clients as the experts in their own lives and helps them build on existing strengths.

Background and approach

Sessions focus on problem-solving, noticing patterns, and learning coping tools that fit daily life. Her training includes work with cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, client-centered methods, and solution-focused strategies. Those tools are used to address issues like relationship strain, sleep problems, low self-esteem, and career stress.

Monica also offers support around more specific concerns such as attachment wounds, caregiver stress, immigration issues, and forgiveness work. With 12 years of clinical experience and credentials as an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) and an LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), Monica brings a steady, experienced presence. She practices in Illinois and balances evidence-based skills with practical coaching.

People who choose her can expect a collaborative tone and clear goals. Sessions often involve trying out new ways of coping and checking what does or does not help. Monica aims to make therapy a useful part of everyday life.

How Monica’s Approaches Work Online

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and creating a respectful space where the client guides the work. It helps when someone needs to make sense of their feelings and wants a therapist who follows their lead.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches practical exercises and small experiments to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and change unhelpful patterns.

Monica treats selecting an approach as a team effort. She will talk with the client about goals, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what works. That collaborative process helps find the best fit for each person’s needs and preferences.

Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer flexibility. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to continue work between appointments. For many people this means consistent progress without major disruptions to daily life.

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.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Monica help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, depression, and related concerns such as caregiver stress, attachment issues, and relationship problems.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is collaborative and practical, combining client-centered conversation with structured techniques to build coping skills and solve immediate problems.

How much experience does she have?

She has 12 years of clinical experience helping people navigate life changes, mental health concerns, and parenting challenges.

What licenses and where does she practice?

She holds LCPC and LPCC credentials with license numbers IL LCPC 180.010999 and CA LPCC 18827, and she practices in Illinois.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

What formats are available for sessions?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as session formats.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 12 years
Licensed: Illinois, California
Languages: English, Spanish

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