Ross Lafleur, LCPC

Ross Lafleur, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with nine years of direct client experience. He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar concerns, relationship strain, and major life changes. He also offers support around men's issues and personality disorder-related challenges.

Ross uses a straightforward, conversational style in sessions. He listens first, then helps people set clear goals and practical steps. He draws from cognitive-behavioral ideas and builds in mindfulness skills that people can use between meetings.

His background includes work in both private practice and hospital settings. That mix means he is familiar with short-term problem solving and longer-term work. He also has experience relating to the performing arts and understands pressures common to artists.

Ross emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in the work. He adapts conversations and treatment plans to match each person's situation. Progress is paced based on the client's needs and what feels manageable.

To begin, Ross asks people to describe their main concerns and goals. From there he helps create a clear plan with doable steps, homework when helpful, and regular check-ins to see what is working. He encourages taking small steps and recognizes that starting therapy takes courage.

Practical approaches for online therapy

Ross blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people address thoughts, feelings, and behavior. CBT focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking patterns and trying practical behavior changes to reduce distress and improve daily functioning. ACT builds skills in mindfulness and values-based action so people can move toward what matters even when hard feelings remain.

He also uses Client-Centered techniques, which means sessions are guided by what the client brings and paced to each person's needs. Choosing the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. Ross will work together with the client to test methods, adjust plans, and decide what feels most helpful for their goals.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how to meet. Video calls let people work face-to-face from wherever they are. Phone sessions can fit into a shorter break or require less bandwidth. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for quick check-ins, coaching between sessions, or when writing feels easier than talking. These options make it simpler to keep continuity and fit therapy into a busy life.