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AI Portrait of Akia Izzard

Akia Izzard

Experienced LCSW focused on practical growth

LCSW Pennsylvania

Experience
24 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Languages
English
Continue with Akia

About Akia

Akia Izzard brings 24 years of clinical social work experience to people seeking help with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and coping with life transitions.

Background and approach

She practices as a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and focuses on creating a welcoming space where clients can explore difficult thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Her work emphasizes collaboration and practical strategies to support clients pursuing greater well-being.

Her clinical approach draws on several evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, along with motivational and narrative techniques to help clients clarify goals and build skills. Akia guides clients through steps that target patterns of thinking, emotional regulation, and real-world problem solving while honoring each person’s values and life story.

She frames change as a courageous process and positions herself as a supportive partner throughout that journey.

Approaches That Guide Online Sessions

Akia commonly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy into online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns using structured exercises and skill practice, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills that can help when intense emotions or relationship difficulties interfere with daily life.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Akia treats selection of methods as collaborative. She will work with each client to weigh their needs, goals, and preferences and adapt techniques as progress is made or new challenges arise, so treatment remains practical and personally relevant.

Online sessions through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and for choosing the communication style that fits a client’s life. These formats can make it easier to maintain continuity of care while using CBT and DBT exercises and check-ins between sessions, supporting steady skill development and real-world application.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Akia commonly address?
She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, low self-esteem, depression, and life changes, as well as related issues such as caregiver stress, grief, and communication difficulties.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is collaborative and practical, combining skill-building with exploration of personal narratives to help clients make meaningful changes.
How long has she practiced social work?
Akia has 24 years of professional experience in clinical social work in a variety of settings.
What credentials and region does she practice in?
She is an LCSW licensed in Pennsylvania with the credential PA LCSW CW023914.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Services are offered in English only and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on availability.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposePolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Licensed

Pennsylvania

Languages

English