Ilene Vallance, LMSW

Ilene Vallance, LMSW, has practiced social work for more than three decades in Michigan. She brings long experience from public and private mental health settings. Her approach feels relaxed and nonjudgmental, and she aims to help adults who are struggling with emotional pain or disconnection.

Ilene uses practical, skills-based methods drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, and mindfulness to help people notice thoughts and take steps that match their values. Sessions tend to focus on specific problems and clear steps forward.

People contact Ilene for a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, sleep problems, career strain, and parenting stress. She also works with issues like communication problems, codependency, attachment concerns, chronic illness and caregiver stress. Her background includes work with complex and co-occurring problems over many years.

Her style is collaborative and validating. She asks about goals, listens to what’s important, and builds a plan together. That plan can include coping strategies, behavior changes, and mindfulness practices to manage strong emotions and improve daily functioning.

Ilene offers flexible scheduling during the week and some Saturdays. Sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Prospective clients complete a brief matching questionnaire and then schedule an appointment based on availability.

How Ilene’s Approaches Work Online

Ilene often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes that can improve day-to-day life. CBT is practical and focuses on skills you can use between sessions.

She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match their values. This can be useful for chronic stress, anxiety, and life changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules. Video calls let you work face to face when that feels helpful. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier during a busy day. Live chat and text messaging support shorter check-ins or ongoing reflection between longer sessions. These options make it possible to fit therapy into work, school, or caregiving responsibilities while keeping consistent contact with a licensed professional.