Abani Dhewajoo

Compassionate, strength-based therapy for change

About Abani

Abani Dhewajoo works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions, offering a collaborative and strengths-focused path forward.

Background and approach

She brings six years of experience as a practicing therapist alongside a broader professional social work background, and she emphasizes treating each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Abani frames clients as experts in their own stories and supports them in building on existing strengths to reduce distress and increase well-being.

Her clinical toolkit draws from cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior strategies, attachment-informed insights, client-centered principles, and mindfulness practices. She adapts conversation and treatment plans to each individual rather than relying on labels, tailoring interventions to meet specific needs like coping with change, improving communication, addressing guilt and shame, or navigating issues related to adoption and foster care.

Abani holds an LCSW licensed in Illinois and provides services in English, aiming to create a warm, interactive therapeutic experience that encourages practical growth and lasting skills.

Integrating evidence-informed approaches into online care

Abani commonly draws from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, learn practical coping skills, and develop greater emotional regulation. CBT focuses on recognizing and reshaping thoughts and behaviors that contribute to stress and anxiety, while mindfulness practices help increase present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity to difficult emotions.

She also uses elements of dialectical behavior therapy to teach skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness; DBT strategies can be particularly useful for anger, impulsivity, and coping during major life changes. These approaches are presented in collaborative conversations where the therapist and client decide together which methods best match the client’s goals and preferences.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make scheduling more flexible and accessible. This range of formats allows clients to choose how they engage based on comfort and practical needs, supporting continuity of care and skill practice between meetings.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Abani commonly address?

She works with clients dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem struggles, and coping with life changes, plus related issues such as communication problems, family difficulties, and multicultural concerns.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach is warm and interactive with a strengths-based perspective, combining client-centered care with cognitive and dialectical strategies and mindfulness practices to tailor treatment to each person.

What is her clinical and professional background?

She has six years of experience working as a therapist and a longer history as a professional social worker prior to her current practice.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She is licensed in Illinois as an LCSW with license number IL LCSW 149026729 and provides services to clients in that state.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available for working together?

Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin therapy with her?

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

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 6 years
Licensed: Illinois
Languages: English