Alisa Cates, LCPC

Illinois | Online sessions in Illinois | English | Book with Alisa »

Narrative-informed, person-centered counseling

Details

Name	Alisa Cates
Credentials	LCPC
Based in	Illinois
Licensed in	Illinois
Session format	Online
Languages	English
Years in practice	13

About Alisa

Alisa Cates, LCPC, uses a narrative-informed, person-centered approach to help people talk through hard moments. She focuses on creating a respectful space where clients feel heard and can examine the stories that shape their choices. Her style is direct and practical while remaining warm and nonjudgmental.

She has worked in many settings since becoming licensed in Illinois in 2013. Those settings include community mental health, inpatient hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, corrections, and independent practice.

Background and approach

That range means she has experience with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, and major life changes. Alisa helps people facing stress, anger, low self-esteem, parenting challenges, addictions, and relationship or family tensions. She also supports those coping with career concerns, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and ADHD.

Additional focus areas include aging and geriatric issues, communication problems, control issues, and feelings of emptiness or isolation. Her work blends narrative perspectives with client-centered listening and techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. In sessions she explores the stories and patterns that keep problems going and then looks for small, manageable changes people can try between meetings.

Sessions are collaborative and paced to each person's needs. People who want straightforward conversation about what is getting in the way of daily life often find her approach useful. She aims to build strong rapport and help clients move forward with clearer choices and practical coping skills.

What this therapist works with

Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Parenting issues, Anger management among the things Alisa works with, alongside the areas below.

Approaches listed

Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Alisa among the ways she works.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Alisa among the ways she works.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): Listed by Alisa among the ways she works.
Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Alisa among the ways she works.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Alisa among the ways she works.
Systemic Therapy: Listed by Alisa among the ways she works.
Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Alisa directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.

Narrative Therapy in this listing

Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.

If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Alisa directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.

Online session options

How narrative and practical approaches work online

Alisa blends narrative therapy with client-centered listening and cognitive behavioral techniques to support change. Narrative work looks at the stories people tell about themselves and their lives and helps create alternative stories that open up new choices. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a strong working relationship so people feel understood. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps identify unhelpful thinking and test small behavior changes that can reduce distress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then try strategies together and adjust as needed. This makes it easier to find a rhythm that fits the person's life and goals.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone calls work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text are useful for brief updates, sharing thoughts between sessions, or when writing helps express feelings. These options make scheduling more flexible and can fit busy or changing routines.

Common questions about this listing

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, parenting and relationship or family tensions, plus issues like ADHD, addictions, anger, and career concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is person-centered and narrative-informed with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to support change.

What is her professional background?

She has 13 years of clinical experience across community mental health, inpatient hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, corrections, and independent practice.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She holds an IL LCPC and practices in Illinois.

Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What should I do to begin therapy?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Contacting this therapist

Sessions with Alisa are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Alisa where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.

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