Carla Dumas, LCPC

Carla Dumas is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 31 years of professional experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief and parenting challenges. She also supports people dealing with depression, trauma and sleeping or anger difficulties.

She approaches therapy from the view that the client knows their own story and strengths. Sessions focus on practical steps and on building skills that fit everyday life. Conversations are plain and direct so people can try small changes between meetings.

Carla uses methods drawn from client-centered work and cognitive behavioral techniques to identify patterns and reshape them. She also draws on emotionally-focused and solution-focused strategies to help people clarify priorities and repair what matters most. Trauma-focused approaches are used when past events are getting in the way of daily functioning.

Typical concerns she helps with include mood disorders, ADHD, impulsivity and the effects of family of origin problems. She also addresses blended family issues, caregiver stress, codependency and domestic violence consequences. Multicultural concerns and prejudice or discrimination topics are part of her practice when relevant to the person's story.

Her style is collaborative and practical. People who come to her can expect to talk about specific goals, try concrete exercises, and review what worked in between sessions. The focus is on manageable steps for life at home and with close relationships.

How her approaches translate to online work