Gina Dunphy

Experienced LCSW offering client-directed care

LCSW Illinois

Experience: 30 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy
Languages: English

About Gina

Gina Dunphy is a licensed clinical social worker with three decades of experience offering supportive, client-directed care. She centers sessions on what each person needs, whether that means focused problem solving, reflective exploration, or simply a steady listening presence.

Background and approach

Her background in psychology and social work informs a compassionate style that balances practical tools with deeper insight. Gina draws from several therapeutic traditions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, Jungian and existential perspectives, and trauma-focused techniques.

She aims to meet clients where they are and tailor interventions around individual goals, preferences, and life circumstances. Gina brings patience, positivity, and long experience to relationships with clients and is licensed in Illinois as an LCSW.

Working with concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, grief, trauma, relationship and intimacy challenges, addictions, and eating or sleep difficulties, she offers a flexible approach that adapts over time. Sessions can address related themes like attachment, codependency, body image, and life transitions while honoring each person’s pace and priorities.

Gina accepts international clients and conducts work in English.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical strategies to change behaviors and emotional responses. It is frequently used for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood-related concerns and tends to work well in structured online sessions. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and grounding practices designed to reduce stress and increase emotional regulation; these techniques can be practiced during video or phone sessions and reinforced with messaging between meetings.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Gina will work with each client to determine whether CBT, mindfulness practices, trauma-focused techniques, or a blend of methods best suits their goals and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress and needs evolve.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to fit care into busy schedules or different time zones. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity, practice skills between sessions, and access support from Illinois or internationally. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and interventions to each format so meaningful therapeutic work continues without requiring in-person visits.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

Gina works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy challenges, addictions, and sleep or eating difficulties.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her approach is eclectic and client-directed, combining practical problem-solving with reflective work and mindfulness-based techniques so goals guide the pace and focus of therapy.

How long has she practiced social work?

She has practiced as a social worker for 30 years and brings that breadth of clinical experience to her sessions.

What are her credentials and where is she licensed?

She holds an LCSW and is licensed in Illinois under IL LCSW 149.020866.

Can nonlocal or international clients work with her?

Yes, she accepts international clients and conducts therapy in English.

In what formats are sessions available?

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

How is payment handled and what does it cost?

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

What are the first steps to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Grief Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disorders

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCodependencyControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationEmptinessForgivenessGuilt and shame ImpulsivityMidlife crisisMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Phobias Post-traumatic stressSelf-love

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

30+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English