- DBT skills
- CBT strategies
- Mindfulness practice
About Ilene
Ilene Vallance is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker practicing in Michigan with 32 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on common struggles such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, grief, trauma and coping with life changes. Her background includes both public and private mental health settings.
Over three decades she has used approaches that include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. She prefers a relaxed, nonjudgmental, and validating style that focuses on practical skills and clearer communication. Sessions typically involve talking through current problems and practicing concrete techniques to manage strong feelings.
Ilene has experience with parenting concerns, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, career and commitment issues, and relationship communication problems. She also addresses topics such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, codependency, and blended family stress. People often bring worries about sleeping, anger, and compassion fatigue.
Her work can include short-term coaching-style conversations as well as longer therapeutic work depending on goals. She emphasizes collaboration and helping people build strategies they can use between sessions. Ilene draws on skills training, behavioral tools, and mindfulness exercises when they fit the situation.
Clients who want straightforward, skills-focused sessions may find her approach helpful. She offers flexible scheduling during the week and some Saturdays to accommodate work and education commitments. To begin, readers are asked to use the platform booking flow to match and schedule an initial session.
How her approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on identifying personal values and taking small action steps even when thoughts or feelings are uncomfortable. It can help with feeling stuck after big life changes or when weighty decisions feel overwhelming.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical ways to notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is often useful for anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, and managing stress with concrete tools and homework between sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. Those skills can be helpful when strong emotions, relationship conflict, or anger make daily life harder.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That choice can change over time as needs evolve, and sessions will mix talking with practical exercises and skills practice.
The exact session formats offered are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to schedule sessions around classes, shifts, or commuting. It also lets people pick quieter times that suit their routine, use shorter check-ins when needed, and practice skills in real-life moments between appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, grief, trauma, sleeping difficulties, parenting and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is relaxed, nonjudgmental, and validating. She focuses on practical skills, communication tools, and strategies to manage strong emotions.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 32 years of experience providing mental health services in both public and private settings.
Where does she practice and what are her credentials?
She is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker practicing in Michigan.
Can I work with her if English is not my first language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept clients outside the United States?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with an initial session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the platform.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.