- Client-centered approach
- Cognitive behavioral work
- Mindfulness techniques
About Monica
Monica Alvarez is an Illinois licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and a California licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) with 12 years of experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting concerns, depression, relationship and LGBT issues, and challenges like sleep problems and low self-esteem.
Monica speaks English and Spanish and encourages people to use their own strengths when facing hard moments. She says people are the experts on their stories, and she offers practical help so they can move forward at their own pace. Monica describes beginning therapy as a brave first step and aims to provide consistent support through that start.
In sessions she uses clear, active methods rather than abstract language. She draws on client-centered work to listen and follow what matters most to each person. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and find different ways of responding.
Monica includes mindfulness exercises to help with overwhelming feelings and solution-focused steps to set short-term goals. Together these approaches are used to tackle specific issues such as coping with life changes, caregiver stress, attachment concerns, and family of origin problems.
Her background across two state credentials informs a practical approach to therapy. People meet with her to talk through immediate struggles and to build small, manageable skills that can fit into everyday life.
How her approaches translate to online work
Monica uses client-centered methods to listen and follow what matters most to each person. This approach focuses on understanding your perspective and helping you name priorities. Cognitive behavioral work targets specific thoughts and behaviors; online sessions can include practical exercises and homework to try between meetings.Finding the right approach is part of the process. Monica treats approach selection as a collaborative decision and will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. She adjusts methods as needed so sessions match what you want to work on in the short and medium term.
Confirm the exact session formats with the booking system before you schedule. Many people choose online sessions because they fit more easily into study, work, and daily routines. Online meetings can make it simpler to have shorter check-ins, avoid travel time, or arrange appointments around a class or shift. If you need a different arrangement, check current options when you set up your first meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Illinois, California
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, depression, relationship and LGBT concerns, plus sleep and self-esteem problems.
What is her therapeutic style?
She combines client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral work, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused steps to set short-term goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has 12 years of clinical experience working with adults on a range of emotional and life challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LCPC and LPCC credentials and practices in Illinois.
Can I see her if I prefer another language?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
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.