- Stress and anxiety
- LGBTQ+ related concerns
- Relationship challenges
About Dionne
Dionne Gerfen is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 16 years of professional experience. She works with adults who are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and issues related to LGBTQ+ identity. Dionne also helps people who are wrestling with relationship problems and communication breakdowns.
She focuses on creating an open place where clients can talk about thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. She encourages direct conversation about difficult topics and normalizes the steps people take when they begin therapy. Her approach is practical and conversational rather than technical or abstract.
Dionne commonly supports people dealing with panic, social anxiety, and mood concerns. She also addresses struggles around isolation, forgiveness, narcissistic dynamics, and life purpose when those arise in sessions. Clients often bring questions about divorce, separation, and rebuilding after major life changes.
Sessions move at a steady pace with attention to the client’s immediate worries and longer term patterns. She listens for where stress and anxiety show up in relationships and daily routines, then works with the person to try different ways of responding. The aim is to find methods that fit into ordinary life and daily schedules.
People who are nervous about starting therapy will find a clear, straightforward style. Dionne asks practical questions, offers plain feedback, and checks in about what is or isn’t working as therapy continues.
How evidence-based approaches translate to online sessions
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques often include focused methods such as cognitive strategies that look at unhelpful thought patterns and behavioral strategies that try out new responses in daily life. Cognitive-style work helps when worry and negative thinking keep someone stuck, while behavioral techniques can be useful for panic, social anxiety, or rebuilding routines after a change.Another common element is trauma-informed care, which pays attention to how past harm affects current reactions and relationships. That approach breaks down big problems into smaller steps and uses pacing to avoid overwhelming a person. Choosing the right combination of methods is a collaborative process; the therapist will talk with the client about goals, try approaches, and adjust what they do based on what feels most helpful.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people keep therapy while sorting changes in work, relationships, or health without committing to long commutes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and LGBT-related issues. Relationship and communication problems are also part of her focus.
How would she describe her therapeutic approach?
She uses a practical, conversational approach that focuses on talking through feelings and behaviors. Sessions aim to address immediate worries and ongoing patterns.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 16 years of professional experience working with adults on a range of mood and relationship concerns.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
What formats are available for sessions?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How do I get started with a first appointment?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.