PuttingFamilyFirst

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PP Portrait of Patricia Prendergast
Online therapist

Patricia Prendergast

Compassionate support for parenting and recovery

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
28 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Patricia

Patricia Prendergast is an LCSW who focuses on helping people facing parenting stress, addiction struggles, trauma, grief, and relationship concerns. She speaks plainly and listens closely, offering steady support when things feel overwhelming. Her style is approachable and practical for parents and individuals looking for concrete steps forward.

Patricia draws on nearly three decades of experience in social work and clinical practice. She uses methods that match the moment - sometimes offering problem-solving tools, other times listening as clients tell their stories.

Background and approach

She helps people name what is happening and choose small, manageable changes. Her background includes long experience with trauma, parenting challenges, and addiction, and she has worked with issues related to attachment, adoption and foster care, and caregiver stress. She also assists people dealing with anger, low self-esteem, life transitions, and career-related questions.

Her training includes client-centered care and cognitive behavioral techniques to address thoughts and behaviors. In sessions Patricia often blends motivation-focused conversations with narrative work that helps clients reframe painful experiences. She aims to reduce shame and build self-compassion while teaching practical coping skills.

Conversations focus on goals the person brings, with clear steps to test between sessions. Based in Illinois, Patricia brings 28 years of clinical experience as an LCSW to online and remote formats. She supports people who want a direct, compassionate approach to parenting strain, mood concerns, and recovery from trauma.

How Patricia Uses Therapy Approaches Online

Patricia often combines client-centered work with cognitive behavioral tools. Client-centered therapy means she listens closely and follows what matters most to the person, creating space to talk through parenting stress, grief, or everyday struggles. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce symptoms like low mood or anxiety.

She also uses motivational interviewing when people face addiction or readiness issues. That approach helps clarify personal goals and builds motivation for change without pressure. Together she and the client decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Patricia will talk with each person about their goals, try approaches that fit those goals, and change course when something is not working. The plan is built around the client's needs and preferences so therapy stays relevant and practical.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people juggling parenting and work. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation from home, while phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging provide shorter, easier check-ins. These options make it simpler to maintain momentum and follow through on small steps between sessions.

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 concerns does Patricia commonly address?
She works with a range of issues including addictions, parenting stress, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression along with related areas like anger and self-esteem.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Patricia uses a warm, straightforward approach that mixes listening with practical guidance and goal-focused techniques.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
She has 28 years of clinical experience, particularly in trauma, addiction, and parenting-related work.
Where is Patricia licensed and what are her credentials?
She is licensed in Illinois as an LCSW with license number IL LCSW 149011031.
Which languages are offered in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Work can be done by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs.
How do I begin working with Patricia?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
28 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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