- Warm and direct
- Practical tools
- Focus on self-talk
About Maria
Maria "Patti" Lorenzo is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois with 12 years of experience. She helps people change the inner voice that fuels anxiety, overthinking, and self-criticism. Patti focuses on practical steps that make daily life feel more manageable and less draining.
Many people who come to her feel emotionally exhausted, stuck in old habits, or pressured to keep everything together. She pays attention to how self-talk shapes feelings and behavior, and works with clients to notice those patterns. Sessions aim to build small, steady changes rather than quick fixes.
Patti describes her style as warm and honest. She blends practical tools with a gentle push toward new habits. Expect both reflection and clear next steps to try between sessions.
She often supports women through life transitions, burnout, identity shifts, and menopause-related emotional changes. Patti also addresses relationship stress and the strain of caretaking roles, helping people balance responsibility with their own needs.
Her clinical approaches include acceptance and commitment ideas, attachment-based perspectives, client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral tools, and dialectical behavior skills. These methods are used to build awareness, change unhelpful thinking, and develop better coping habits.
Overall, Patti aims to help people feel heard, understand themselves more clearly, and move toward lasting emotional growth through collaboration and practical work.
Many people who come to her feel emotionally exhausted, stuck in old habits, or pressured to keep everything together. She pays attention to how self-talk shapes feelings and behavior, and works with clients to notice those patterns. Sessions aim to build small, steady changes rather than quick fixes.
Patti describes her style as warm and honest. She blends practical tools with a gentle push toward new habits. Expect both reflection and clear next steps to try between sessions.
She often supports women through life transitions, burnout, identity shifts, and menopause-related emotional changes. Patti also addresses relationship stress and the strain of caretaking roles, helping people balance responsibility with their own needs.
Her clinical approaches include acceptance and commitment ideas, attachment-based perspectives, client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral tools, and dialectical behavior skills. These methods are used to build awareness, change unhelpful thinking, and develop better coping habits.
Overall, Patti aims to help people feel heard, understand themselves more clearly, and move toward lasting emotional growth through collaboration and practical work.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
How Patti’s Approaches Shape Online Work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and choosing actions that match your values. It helps when anxiety or overthinking get in the way of living the life you want. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors together and teaches practical strategies to shift unhelpful thinking and reactions. This is useful for anxiety, depression, and changing daily habits. Attachment-Based Therapy pays attention to relationship patterns and how early connections affect current feelings and closeness, which can help with intimacy-related worries and attachment concerns.Patti approaches choosing methods as a collaborative process. She will help you test different tools and approaches to see what fits your goals and preferences. Together you set goals, try techniques, and adjust plans based on what feels helpful.
The therapist's biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, cut travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people use tools like worksheets or mindfulness practices between meetings to support steady habit change.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns can Patti help with?
She works with people facing anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, stress, grief, and trauma-related issues. Other focuses include self-esteem, ADHD, compassion fatigue, intimacy-related concerns, and career strain.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
The approach is supportive and practical with a collaborative tone. Sessions combine reflection with concrete steps to try between meetings.
What is her background and experience?
She has 12 years of clinical experience helping clients change unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier daily habits.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds an Illinois LCPC credential and practices from Illinois.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin the process?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.