Dionne Gerfen

Compassionate counselor for anxiety and trauma

About Dionne

Dionne Gerfen is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with 16 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and concerns related to LGBT identity, guiding each person through practical steps to feel more grounded and understood.

Background and approach

Gerfen emphasizes creating an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can express thoughts and emotions freely. She addresses relationship challenges and communication problems, and supports work on issues such as panic and social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, loneliness, life purpose, and navigating divorce or separation.

Her approach centers on collaboration and respect for each client’s pace. Beginning therapy can feel daunting, and Gerfen acknowledges that first step as meaningful.

She invites clients to explore topics like forgiveness, self-love, mood disorders, and patterns related to narcissism, with attention to individualized goals and practical coping strategies.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Gerfen uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to the issues a client brings. One common approach involves structured interventions that teach skills for managing anxiety and panic, focusing on identifying unhelpful thoughts and practicing techniques to reduce physiological arousal. Another frequently used method emphasizes trauma-informed strategies that help clients process difficult memories safely while building coping resources and emotional regulation skills.

Choosing the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss client needs, goals, and preferences and together they will try methods that fit best, adjusting the plan over time based on what helps most.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to keep regular appointments around busy schedules and allow continuity of care when in-person visits are impractical. Licensed professionals can use these formats to provide consistent support, skill-building, and progress tracking while honoring each person’s pace and circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dionne commonly help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, LGBT-related issues, and relationship difficulties. Additional focuses include communication problems, panic, post-traumatic stress, and feelings of isolation.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style centers on creating an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared. She collaborates with clients to set goals and explore practical coping strategies.

How much experience does she have in practice?

She has 16 years of professional work experience supporting a range of mental health concerns and relational issues.

Where is she licensed to practice?

She is licensed in Illinois as an LCPC and holds the licence number IL LCPC 180013094.

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

Services are provided in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available for therapy?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.

How are fees handled for sessions?

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

What is the process to begin working together?

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

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
LGBT
Relationship issues

Also works with

Experience: 16 years
Licensed: Illinois
Languages: English