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EF Portrait of Eric Forster

Eric Forster

Practical, collaborative care rooted in strengths

LCSW Illinois

Experience
20 years in practice
Focus areas
Parenting, Career, Coaching
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English

About Eric

Eric Forster is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Illinois who focuses on a wide range of concerns including parenting, career and professional coaching, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family issues, addictions, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, anger, and coping with life changes.

Background and approach

With 20 years of professional experience, he brings practical knowledge of navigating medical systems and supporting clients facing complex health, caregiver, and end-of-life topics in addition to behavioral and emotional challenges. Eric works from a strengths-based perspective that centers the client's own expertise about their life and priorities.

He combines client-centered listening with evidence-informed techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative approaches, and psychodynamic ideas to tailor the work to each person. Clients can expect a collaborative partnership focused on building skills, clarifying goals, and drawing on personal resources to address current difficulties.

Beginning therapy is acknowledged as a courageous choice, and Eric offers steady guidance through that process while helping clients identify practical steps forward. He practices as an LCSW licensed in Illinois and conducts sessions in English using flexible formats to accommodate different needs.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Therapy

Eric often combines cognitive behavioral techniques and client-centered work to help people identify unhelpful thought patterns and build practical coping skills while honoring each person's goals and values. CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning, which can be particularly useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress-related difficulties. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathic listening, validation, and collaboration to help clients clarify priorities and draw on their own strengths.

He also uses motivational interviewing when clients are weighing change or facing ambivalence; this approach helps clarify motivation and supports small, sustainable steps. Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he collaborates with clients to determine which methods fit best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Treatment plans can evolve as progress is made and priorities shift.

Online therapy with him is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide practical flexibility. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity during health or mobility challenges, and access consistent support from a licensed professional in Illinois regardless of a client's day-to-day location.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Eric address in therapy?
He supports people dealing with parenting, career and coaching issues, compassion fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and family problems, bipolar disorder, sleep and anger difficulties, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style and approach?
He uses a collaborative, strengths-based style that blends client-centered listening with evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative techniques, and psychodynamic ideas to meet individual needs.
How much experience does he have working with clients?
He has 20 years of professional experience, including work helping clients navigate medical systems and addressing complex health-related and caregiving concerns alongside emotional and behavioral issues.
What credentials and location information are on file?
He is an LCSW licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149013231 and practices in Illinois offering services in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted; his practice serves clients within the region noted and sessions are conducted in English.
Which session formats are available for meetings?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different preferences and situations.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies depending on location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are required to begin therapy with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Parenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English