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TC Portrait of Teresa Cortas
Online therapist

Teresa Cortas

Practical support for parents and life changes

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

About Teresa

Teresa Cortas is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience helping people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and parenting challenges. She works with clients dealing with grief, relationship strain, workplace pressure, and questions of life purpose. Teresa brings a calm, affirming presence and practical tools that parents and adults can use right away.

She focuses on clear communication and simple steps. Sessions aim to make problems feel more manageable.

Background and approach

Teresa uses straightforward strategies to reduce anxiety and rebuild daily routines. Her approach draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, with techniques from motivational interviewing and trauma-focused work when needed. That means she listens closely, helps people spot unhelpful thoughts, and supports motivation for change.

Trauma-informed methods are applied to gently address past hurts when relevant. Teresa has a particular commitment to LGBTQ concerns and to women facing workplace or midlife issues. She also helps people working through family problems, feelings of emptiness, guilt and shame, and questions about forgiveness.

Her style is compassionate and nonjudgmental, aimed at helping people regain confidence and direction. Clients can expect a collaborative process where goals are set together. Teresa emphasizes practical coping skills, clearer meaning, and small changes that add up.

She practices in Illinois as an LCSW and offers sessions in English.

Approaches used in online therapy and what they do

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person’s viewpoint, creating space for people to explore feelings and priorities. This approach is useful when someone needs acceptance and help clarifying what matters most to them.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps people notice patterns of thinking that fuel anxiety or low mood and then try different behaviors and thoughts to change outcomes. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and day-to-day coping skills.

Teresa blends these approaches and uses motivational interviewing and trauma-informed techniques when helpful. Finding the best approach is collaborative - the therapist and client decide together what feels right based on needs, goals, and preferences. Methods can shift over time as goals change.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video and phone sessions let people meet from home, while live chat and text-based messaging support shorter check-ins and ongoing encouragement. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy family schedules and to stay connected between longer sessions.

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.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Teresa address?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting worries, relationship and family issues, grief, self-esteem struggles, career questions, compassion fatigue, and related areas such as guilt, emptiness, and life purpose.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is warm and practical. She listens closely, offers straightforward techniques, and focuses on achievable steps to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has 25 years of clinical experience working with a range of emotional and life challenges, including midlife transitions and workplace issues.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149008229.
Which languages are used for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
In what formats are sessions offered?
She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging for flexible online work.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
25 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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