Rev. Sergio Ayala, LCPC, LMHC

Rev. Sergio Ayala is a licensed counselor practicing in Illinois with ten years of clinical experience. He holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Divinity, and he combines clinical and pastoral perspectives in his work. He speaks English and Spanish and works with people on a wide range of life challenges.

He helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction. He also supports those coping with trauma, grief, caregiver strain, and issues around intimacy and relationships. Rev. Ayala listens for each person's strengths and goals before shaping a plan together.

His style centers on clear, practical steps and a respectful, person-focused conversation. He uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and change everyday habits. He also draws on client-centered and emotionally focused ideas to deepen understanding of feelings and relationships.

Clients can expect straightforward sessions that aim for manageable change over time. He pays attention to how past experiences and meaning influence current struggles, using existential and Jungian perspectives when they fit the work. Rev. Ayala emphasizes collaboration and real-world tools people can try between meetings.

He has worked in both clinical and ministerial roles, including caregiving contexts and pastoral practice for over 15 years. That background informs his approach to moral questions, life transitions, and spiritual concerns when clients raise them.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Rev. Ayala commonly uses cognitive behavioral work to help people notice and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, depression, or addictive habits. CBT tends to focus on practical strategies people can use between sessions to reduce distress and build new routines.

He also draws from client-centered therapy, which emphasizes listening, acceptance, and following the client’s lead. That approach helps people feel understood while they sort out values, relationships, and life choices. Emotionally-Focused Therapy is another tool he uses for addressing strong feelings and improving how people connect and communicate in close relationships.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process and he treats it as a team effort. He will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then adjust methods as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to give practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation; phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or a camera isn’t preferred. Live chat and messaging are useful for brief check-ins, journaling between sessions, or when scheduling shorter contacts fits a busy day. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules.