Katherine "Katie" Saraga

Caring, practical therapy focused on strengths

LCSW Illinois

Experience: 4 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Katherine

Katherine "Katie" Saraga is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois who brings four years of professional experience to her therapeutic work.

Background and approach

She combines practical, evidence-informed methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with compassionate, client-centered listening to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and life transitions. Katie also integrates mindfulness, acceptance strategies, and elements of dialectical behavior therapy when they suit a client's goals.

Her approach emphasizes identifying strengths and building skills that support better coping and clearer decision making. Katie aims to create an approachable, nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore concerns such as relationship and family stress, grief, anger, ADHD, compassion fatigue, chronic illness or pain, and questions around life purpose or self-love.

She also offers support for communication difficulties and for people with sensory or intellectual disabilities. Sessions are offered through a variety of online formats to fit different needs, and Katie guides each person toward techniques and routines that are useful in day-to-day life.

Her practice focuses on collaboration and practical strategies that help clients move forward at a pace that feels manageable.

How Katie Uses Evidence-Informed Approaches Online

Katherine integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in ways that translate well to online work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real-life evidence while building practical skills for managing anxiety, low mood, and sleep problems. ACT emphasizes values-based action and learning to make space for difficult feelings while still moving toward meaningful goals, which can help with life transitions and chronic stress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Katie works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs and preferences. She tends to blend techniques rather than follow a single method, adapting plans as goals evolve over time.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate varying schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to practice skills between meetings, maintain continuity when life gets busy, and access therapy from wherever the client is located in Illinois. The flexibility of multiple formats supports consistent work on goals while allowing clients to choose the interaction style that feels most effective for them.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Katie work with?

She addresses a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, grief, anger, relationship and family stress, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and life transitions.

What is Katie's therapeutic style like?

Her style is client-centered and collaborative, combining supportive listening with practical techniques from CBT, mindfulness, ACT, and DBT to help clients build skills and use their strengths.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Katie has four years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker working with a variety of concerns and adapting approaches to individual needs.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She holds an LCSW license, listed as IL LCSW 149026549, and practices in Illinois.

Can I work with her in another language or from another country?

Sessions are offered in English only, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

In what formats are sessions available?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences and scheduling needs.

How are sessions priced and billed?

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 working with Katie?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Self esteem Coping with life changes ADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSleeping disordersAnger managementDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsDissociationHearing impairedIntellectual disabilityLife purposePregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English