- Guilt and shame
- CBT techniques
- Client-centered work
About Teresa
Teresa Cortas is an Illinois LCSW with 25 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family problems, parenting concerns, and feelings of guilt and shame.
She helps people who are navigating life changes, midlife questions, workplace strain, and issues around identity, including LGBT concerns. Sessions focus on practical ways to manage tough emotions and to regain a clearer sense of direction.
Teresa uses a mix of conversational, goal-oriented tools and careful listening. She draws on client-centered methods to follow what matters most to each person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques are used to notice unhelpful thoughts and try different responses in day-to-day life.
Motivational Interviewing can help when someone feels stuck or unsure about making a change. Trauma-focused approaches are available for people who carry painful memories that get in the way of day-to-day functioning. Teresa does not claim quick fixes; she works step by step with each person to find what helps.
Her practice also covers career concerns, self-esteem, life purpose, forgiveness, emptiness, and compassion fatigue. Sessions are delivered in English and reflect her long experience working with adult concerns. To start, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what the client says. It helps people feel heard and clarify what matters most to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and practices small changes that can reduce anxiety and shame in daily life. Motivational Interviewing supports people who feel stuck by exploring their reasons for change and building personal motivation.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Teresa will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and recommend methods that fit. That process is collaborative - options are adjusted as sessions progress and new priorities emerge.
The practical benefits of online work include fitting sessions into a busy week and reducing travel time. The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to check in during a workday break, use a shorter call when needed, or avoid being on camera depending on what the client prefers.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she focus on?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family problems, parenting issues, workplace stress, and feelings of guilt and shame among other concerns.
How does she approach guilt and shame in sessions?
She uses client-centered listening alongside CBT tools to identify painful thoughts and practice different, more helpful responses over time.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Teresa has 25 years of clinical experience as a licensed social worker in Illinois.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an Illinois LCSW and practices in Illinois.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions billed or priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.