Andrea Engelkens

Andrea Engelkens is an Illinois-licensed counselor with 16 years of professional experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and the strain that comes with family conflict. Andrea emphasizes the first step of reaching out and recognizes the courage it takes to begin work on tough issues.

She views each person as the expert on their own life and looks for strengths to build on. Conversations in sessions focus on practical steps and clear goals. Andrea listens for what is most important to the client and helps break larger problems into manageable pieces.

Therapy sessions include time to talk through immediate concerns and to practice new ways of handling stress. Andrea supports people dealing with life changes, including separation or divorce, and helps with problems like loneliness, guilt, communication breakdowns, and struggles at work.

Her style is respectful and down-to-earth rather than clinical or abstract. She aims to make therapy straightforward and useful, with attention to real-life tools people can try between sessions. Andrea encourages clients to move at a pace that feels right for them.

People who start with her can expect a collaborative process. Together they clarify priorities, set achievable steps, and check progress along the way. For anyone beginning therapy, Andrea offers a calm, steady presence and a focus on practical change.

How evidence-based approaches work online

Andrea emphasizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach is skills-based work that teaches coping strategies for anxiety and stress, such as breathing, pacing, and simple behavior changes to reduce overwhelm. These methods help people manage symptoms and develop routines that support daily life.

Another approach centers on processing traumatic events in a careful, step-by-step way. This involves talking through difficult memories at a pace the person can tolerate, and building skills to handle strong emotions when they arise. It is useful for people dealing with past abuse, post-traumatic stress, or intense reactions to life events.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, consider the client’s goals and comfort level, and adapt methods to fit individual needs. This collaborative process helps identify which techniques are most helpful over time.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist about practical preferences like session length and timing so appointments fit into everyday routines.