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TC Portrait of Teresa Cortas

Teresa Cortas

Affirming care for life transitions

LCSW Illinois

Experience
25 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Parenting
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Teresa

About Teresa

Teresa Cortas is an Illinois-based licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 25 years of practice helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional challenges.

Background and approach

She draws on a blend of evidence-informed methods to guide clients through life transitions, work-related strains, parenting concerns, and the search for renewed purpose. Teresa places emphasis on addressing feelings of guilt, shame, emptiness, and compassion fatigue while supporting LGBT clients and women facing workplace or midlife issues.

Her approach is warm and client-centered, creating a respectful environment for exploring family problems, relationship struggles, and career decisions. Teresa also uses cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing to help clients develop practical coping strategies and shift unhelpful patterns.

Over the years she has incorporated trauma-focused perspectives when past events continue to affect present functioning, aiming to strengthen resilience and self-forgiveness through collaborative, personalized work.

Online Approaches That Support Change

Teresa often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and to practice new skills that reduce anxiety, lift mood, and improve daily functioning. She also employs client-centered therapy which emphasizes empathy, active listening, and building a trusting therapeutic relationship so clients can explore values, purpose, and emotional healing at their own pace.

Deciding on the right approach is a collaborative process. Teresa works with each person to consider goals, preferences, and the specific challenges they bring, adapting techniques from different methods as needed to find the best fit for the work ahead.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which can make it easier to schedule appointments around life and work commitments. These formats offer flexibility for follow-up, brief check-ins, and focused sessions, helping clients maintain continuity of care even when schedules or locations change.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Teresa address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, LGBT concerns, career questions, compassion fatigue, and related areas such as guilt, shame, and life purpose.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is compassionate and affirming with a client-centered focus, creating space for exploration while also offering practical strategies when appropriate.
How much experience does she bring to therapy?
Teresa has 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals facing complex life changes and emotional challenges.
What credentials and location are listed for Teresa?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149008229 and practices from that state.
Does she provide services in other languages or to international clients?
Therapy is offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference and availability.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

EmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameLife purposeMidlife crisisWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English