Rev. Sergio Ayala, LCPC, LMHC - Therapist in Illinois

Stress and anxiety
Addictions support
Grief and loss

About Sergio

Rev. Sergio Ayala is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa with 10 years of clinical experience. He works with people who face stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and caregiving strain. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish and his background includes pastoral practice alongside clinical training.

He holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Divinity with four units of Clinical Pastoral Education. For more than a decade he has combined ministerial experience with counseling work, bringing practical communication and listening skills to sessions. He uses straightforward conversation to identify what a person wants to change and why it matters to them.

In session he draws on Client-Centered Therapy to prioritize the person’s perspective and on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to work on thoughts and behaviors that keep problems in place. Emotionally-Focused ideas are used when relationships and attachment patterns are central to the concern. He also references existential and Jungian ideas when exploring meaning and personal stories.

People can expect clear, concrete steps alongside reflective discussion. He often helps clients develop small, doable practices to manage anxiety, cope with loss, or address addictive behaviors. He pays attention to caregiving stress and chronic illness issues and works with people on communication and relationship-related concerns.

Sessions begin by clarifying goals and practical next steps. The approach is collaborative and paced to fit what each person can manage. International clients may be accommodated; confirm current session options before booking.

How his therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s experience. The therapist listens, reflects, and helps the client name goals and next steps. This approach is helpful for anxiety, caregiving stress, and deciding what changes to try.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It uses practical exercises and small behavioral experiments to test different responses to anxiety or cravings. CBT is often useful for stress, anxiety, and addictive behaviors.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on attachment and relationship patterns. It helps people notice emotional responses and change how they relate to others when relationships are a central concern.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to pick approaches that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That plan can change as progress is made and new priorities emerge.

The original profile does not specify session formats, so confirm the options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into a day, reduce travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist about scheduling and pace so sessions fit into everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Grief Depression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgiveness Guilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Multicultural concerns Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stress Prejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Listed in

Iowa, Illinois

Languages

English, Spanish

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, relationship and caregiving concerns among other issues.

What is his basic approach in sessions?

He blends Client-Centered conversation with Cognitive Behavioral techniques and emotionally-focused methods when relationships are involved.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 10 years of professional clinical experience plus over 15 years of ministerial or pastoral practice.

Which credentials and location apply to this therapist?

He holds LCPC and LMHC credentials and practices with an Illinois location; his licensure also includes Iowa.

Can I work with him if I speak Spanish?

Yes. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

What session formats are offered?

The original profile does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What do I do to start working together?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.