- ACT
- CBT
- Attachment work
About Cindy
Cindy Gradle is an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - with 30 years of experience based in Illinois. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, addiction, anger, and related concerns. She also addresses social anxiety, isolation, communication problems, and attachment difficulties.
Her style centers on listening closely and using practical, evidence-informed methods. Sessions focus on clarifying what matters to the person, identifying patterns that get in the way, and practicing skills that reduce distress. She blends approaches so tools fit the problem at hand rather than following a single formula.
Cindy often helps people who struggle with guilt, shame, impulsivity, and relationship strain. She also supports clients dealing with parenting pressures, workplace issues, grief from separation or divorce, and questions about life purpose. Her background includes long experience with mood disorders, panic, personality-related concerns, and post-traumatic stress.
In practice she uses techniques drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Attachment-Based work, and client-centered ways of meeting people. That mix is used to build skills for handling triggers, managing emotions, and improving communication.
Sessions tend to be straightforward and task-focused when that helps, or more reflective when processing past hurts is needed. People who want clear tools for day-to-day coping as well as space to talk through painful experiences may find this approach helpful.
How her therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people clarify what matters to them and take small, committed steps toward those values while learning to live with difficult thoughts and feelings. It can be useful for anxiety, avoidance, and problems that come from getting stuck in unhelpful reactions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical tools to change patterns that increase distress. It is often used for anxiety, panic, mood problems, and coping with life changes.
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how earlier relationships influence current patterns in close relationships and communication. It can help people who feel isolated, struggle with trust, or have recurring conflicts in relationships.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Cindy will collaborate with each person to identify which methods best match their goals, symptoms, and preferences. That choice can shift over time as needs change, and the therapist and client check in together about what’s helping.
Confirm the current online session options before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove the need to be on camera for every session. These practical benefits help people keep continuity with therapy while managing work, family, and other responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma, addiction, anger, relationship strain, parenting concerns, mood and panic issues, and related topics like guilt, shame, and isolation.
What is her therapeutic approach or style?
She uses a mix of practical, evidence-informed approaches including ACT, CBT, DBT, attachment-focused and client-centered methods, choosing tools that fit the person's needs.
How much experience does she have?
She has 30 years of clinical experience working with people across a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and provides services from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.