Lauren Oestmann, LCSW

Lauren Oestmann is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience. She practices in Illinois and brings a calm, practical approach to sessions. She greets people with warmth and clear direction so they know what to expect.

Lauren focuses on straightforward strategies that can be used day to day. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help people manage anxiety, depression, stress, and addictive behaviors. She also addresses trauma, grief, low self-esteem, sleep problems, and career or parenting strain.

Sessions commonly include setting small goals, practicing coping skills, and breaking problems into manageable steps. Lauren emphasizes strengths and builds on what already works in a person's life. Homework is practical and aimed at real situations someone faces between sessions.

Her style is person-centered and solution-focused, with an emphasis on skills people can apply right away. She uses trauma-focused methods when past events affect current functioning, always pacing work to each person's comfort.

Lauren offers clear explanations and room for questions. People who want structured tools, and a coach-like approach to change, tend to do well with her style. She welcomes conversation about goals and adapts strategies to fit each person's needs.

Using skills-focused approaches in online therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that fuel anxiety or depression. It focuses on practical exercises and skills you can practice between sessions to see change in daily life.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These tools are useful when emotions feel intense or when relationships create ongoing stress. Motivational Interviewing supports readiness for change by exploring what matters to the person and building motivation one step at a time.

Lauren works collaboratively to find the best fit of approaches for each person. She will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together, they plan a path that blends skills training, brief problem-solving, and trauma-focused steps when past events are affecting current functioning.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care more flexible. Video calls let you practice skills in a face-to-face format, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low, live chat or messaging work well for brief check-ins or when written reflection helps, and text-based messaging supports ongoing coaching between appointments. These options aim to fit therapy around work, family life, and other commitments.