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AT Portrait of Ann Thorwall

Ann Thorwall

Compassionate evidence-based therapy for everyday challenges

About Ann

Ann Thorwall brings nine years of clinical experience to her practice and centers her work on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that produce practical, sustainable results. She believes therapy should reduce painful symptoms such as fear, anxiety, shame, and hopelessness so people can move toward a more satisfying life.

Background and approach

Ann frames care around collaboration and straightforward strategies that address both emotional distress and day-to-day functioning. Ann focuses on anxiety and depression while also addressing stress, self-esteem challenges, ADHD, and relationship struggles, including attachment and communication difficulties.

She also works with concerns related to guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, mood disorders, and social anxiety and phobia. Her approach emphasizes honesty and partnership, offering a space to explore what feels most helpful and to develop skills that fit each person’s life.

Licensed as an LCSW in Illinois, Ann combines clinical knowledge with personal experience of therapy to create a practical, empathetic process. She welcomes clients who seek measurable progress and a collaborative working relationship to address the particular challenges named above.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Ann uses evidence-based techniques that focus on practical skills and emotional understanding. One common approach she employs emphasizes identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms; this method teaches strategies for managing worry, improving mood, and increasing everyday functioning. Another frequent focus is working with relationship patterns and attachment-related concerns, helping clients notice recurring interaction styles, improve communication, and build more satisfying connections.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works together with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and will adapt strategies over time to find what feels most effective. Clients are invited to share feedback so methods can be adjusted to match progress and priorities.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, continue care during life transitions, and choose the format that best supports comfort and consistency. Licensed professionals can use these tools to deliver structured, evidence-based work in ways that align with each client’s lifestyle and therapeutic goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Ann commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem difficulties, ADHD, and relationship challenges along with attachment issues, communication problems, guilt and shame, isolation or loneliness, mood disorders, and social anxiety or phobia.
What is her overall therapeutic style?
Her approach is open, genuine, and collaborative, focusing on evidence-based methods to reduce symptoms and build practical skills that support real-life change.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Ann has nine years of experience as a practicing therapist, combining professional training with personal experience in therapy to inform her work.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She holds an LCSW credential and is licensed in Illinois under IL LCSW 149.020861.
Does she work in languages other than English or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available?
Clients may connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their needs and scheduling options.
How are sessions billed or priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started, 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

Experience
9 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English