- Experienced LCPC
- Practical strategies
- Supportive conversation
About Dionne
Dionne Gerfen is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with 16 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, or experiences of trauma and abuse. She creates a calm space where people can begin to talk about hard things at their own pace.
Her work centers on listening first and then collaborating on clear, practical steps. She encourages people to name what feels most urgent and to try small changes that can help day to day. Sessions emphasize honest conversation and straightforward strategies rather than jargon.
Dionne pays attention to how relationships and identity affect mental health, including issues related to LGBT concerns and social anxiety. She also helps people dealing with divorce, communication problems, loneliness, and questions about life purpose. Panic disorder and panic attacks are among the concerns she can address.
Her approach aims to balance support with doable tools people can use between sessions. She invites people to bring examples from their daily life so she can help apply ideas to real situations. The goal is steady progress, not quick fixes.
Clients can expect a respectful, nonjudgmental presence and a focus on practical change. Dionne encourages people to take the first step and offers guidance through the initial scheduling and matching process.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions can help
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques often used in counseling include focused conversation paired with practical exercises. One approach involves identifying current thought patterns and testing small behavior changes to reduce anxiety and mood symptoms; this helps people manage day-to-day worry and panic moments. Another common element is trauma-informed support, which means paying attention to past hurt while pacing work so people feel steady enough to try new coping skills. Both approaches emphasize skills you can practice between sessions to build confidence.Finding the right way of working is collaborative. The therapist will ask about your goals, what helps or hinders you now, and what you prefer in sessions. Together you decide which methods to try and adjust them over time based on what is helpful for you.
The practical benefits of online therapy can include fitting appointments around school, work, or caregiving, and avoiding travel time so sessions are easier to attend. If you need details about whether video, phone, or other formats are offered, confirm current options before booking. The emphasis is on matching session arrangements to your life so therapy feels manageable and consistent.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Dionne commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, trauma and abuse. Additional focuses include panic disorder and panic attacks, social anxiety, and issues around identity and isolation.
What is her general therapy style?
She listens first and then helps people try clear, practical steps. Sessions focus on honest conversation and simple tools to use between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 16 years of professional work experience supporting people with mood concerns, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an LCPC, which is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and is licensed in Illinois.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Session formats were not specified in the biography. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost and billing work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability as shown after matching.