Carole Sandusky

Compassionate, practical therapy focused on strengths

LCPC Illinois

Experience: 17 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Carole

Carole Sandusky is an Illinois-licensed therapist (LCPC) who brings 17 years of clinical experience to work with people facing stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, anger, low self-esteem, depression, trauma, grief, and related life challenges.

Background and approach

She recognizes clients as the primary experts on their own lives and builds on each person’s existing strengths to address issues like ADHD, compassion fatigue, parenting concerns, career transitions, and mood conditions such as bipolar disorder.

Her approach emphasizes collaboration and empowerment rather than top-down instruction; she supports clients through practical strategies and empathetic listening while encouraging the courage it takes to pursue meaningful change. Carole integrates evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based work, client-centered principles, and skills from DBT to tailor care to individual needs.

She accepts international clients and conducts sessions from Illinois for those seeking flexible, ongoing support. Carole frames therapy as a partnership focused on achievable steps, improved coping, and restoring balance in daily life.

Prospective clients can expect a respectful, strengths-based partnership that honors their goals while offering clear tools and compassionate guidance.

Using Evidence-Based Approaches in Online Therapy

Carole commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to guide online work. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption, and it often includes practical exercises to use between sessions. ACT emphasizes values-driven action and developing psychological flexibility, helping clients cope with painful thoughts and feelings while moving toward a meaningful life.

She approaches method selection as a collaborative process, recognizing that the right fit may change over time. The therapist will work with clients to clarify goals, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what helps most, combining skills training and reflective work as needed.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which make it easier to receive consistent support without travel. These options allow scheduling flexibility, quicker access during life transitions, and the ability to maintain therapeutic continuity across locations while using the approaches described above to address stress, mood, relationships, and coping skills.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?

Carole works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, anger, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, parenting challenges, career concerns, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue.

What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?

She uses a collaborative, strengths-focused style that combines practical strategies and empathetic listening. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ACT, attachment-informed ideas, client-centered work, and DBT skills are used to match client needs.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

Carole has 17 years of professional experience working with clients across many concerns and presenting issues.

What are the therapist's credentials and where are they located?

The clinician holds the LCPC credential with license number IL LCPC 180011952 and practices from Illinois.

Can I work with this therapist if I live outside the United States?

Yes, the therapist accepts international clients and offers remote session options to connect across locations.

Which session formats are offered for online work?

Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are fees and subscription 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 do I take to begin therapy with this clinician?

To start, choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteem Depression

Also works with

LGBTTrauma and abuse GriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobias Post-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

17+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English