About Rita

Rita Porter is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 32 years of experience in Illinois. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction concerns, and ADHD. Rita focuses on practical steps that help clients regain control and move forward.

Rita listens to each person's story and meets them where they are. She aims for clear goals and steady progress rather than quick fixes. Sessions tend to be straightforward and focused on what helps in day-to-day life.

Background and approach

Her work often includes helping people through big life changes, grief, or the fallout of trauma and abuse. She also supports those dealing with relationship strain, family problems, parenting stresses, and career challenges. Rita pays attention to how family of origin and communication patterns shape current struggles.

Rita draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and emotionally-focused work. She blends these with mindfulness and client-centered listening to help clients try new ways of thinking and behaving. The aim is to build practical skills and more stable emotional responses.

She also addresses issues that come with aging, caregiver stress, blended family dynamics, and addiction recovery. Rita helps people who feel stuck by breaking problems into manageable steps and using motivation-focused strategies. Rita’s sessions are collaborative.

She supports people as they set goals, experiment with changes, and reflect on what works. The process is steady and tailored to each person’s needs and pace.

Approaches and how they work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) asks people to clarify their values and take small committed actions toward them while learning to notice unhelpful thoughts. It can help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions by shifting focus to what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to change patterns that maintain distress. It is often useful for anxiety, low mood, and ADHD-related challenges. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and a nonjudgmental relationship to help people feel understood and find their own solutions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Rita will discuss methods and try options together based on your goals, needs, and preferences. Sessions are collaborative, with room to adjust techniques if something isn’t helpful.

Online therapy offers flexibility by letting people choose video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in fits a busy day. Live chat or text-based messaging can work for quick reflections, ongoing accountability, or when someone prefers writing over speaking. These options make it easier to get consistent support and to fit sessions into daily life.

Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does Rita work with?
Rita helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, grief, trauma, relationship and family problems, parenting strain, career concerns, and life transitions.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens closely, sets clear goals, and helps clients try small, manageable changes between sessions.
What is Rita's professional background?
She has 32 years of experience as a licensed therapist working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
Rita is an IL LCPC, which denotes a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
32 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

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