Danielle Zavala

Danielle Zavala is a licensed clinical social worker based in Illinois. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addiction, and the effects of trauma and abuse. Danielle aims to create a respectful, sensitive space where people can speak honestly about what’s hard for them.

Her approach is tailored to each person’s needs. She draws on Trauma-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In sessions she listens closely, helps organize thoughts, and suggests practical steps people can try between meetings.

Danielle has four years of clinical experience and holds an LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She uses plain language in sessions and focuses on real-life problems like coping with job stress, low self-esteem, caregiving strain, and managing mood swings or substance use concerns. She also addresses related issues such as abandonment worries, body image, chronic illness, and communication problems.

Therapy begins with a short conversation to understand goals and priorities. Danielle emphasizes collaboration and respects each person’s pace. She encourages small, manageable changes and checks in on what is and isn’t working.

If someone is ready to begin, the next step is to complete the Start Therapy questionnaire and schedule a session based on availability.

How her approaches work in online therapy

Trauma-Focused Therapy focuses on understanding how traumatic events affect daily life and reactions. It aims to help people process painful memories and reduce their impact on current functioning.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It emphasizes values-guided action and practical steps to move toward a meaningful life.

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns. It can help people notice how they relate to others and practice different ways of connecting and communicating.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they will try methods that match those needs and adjust over time if something isn’t working.

Confirm the current session options before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Some people prefer fewer visual demands and choose audio-only conversations, while others like face-to-face video when discussing relationship or trauma material. The therapist will help decide what format fits best for each person.