- Person-centered care
- Practical strategies
- Faith-informed approach
About Lori
Lori Cheek Gilroy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois who focuses on work and wellbeing concerns alongside everyday life stresses. She helps people manage anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, career pressures, parenting strain, and grief. Lori writes and speaks plainly, and aims to make the first steps feel doable for someone who is worried or overwhelmed.
She brings 26 years of experience as a counselor and life coach. Lori has worked in child welfare, family counseling, a birthing center, crisis intervention, and community mental health. That background means she has supported people facing trauma, caregiver stress, chronic health issues, and major life transitions.
Lori’s style centers on the person in front of her. She practices client-centered care and uses solution-focused and trauma-focused methods to help people identify practical next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques and motivational interviewing are part of her toolbox for changing unhelpful thinking and building motivation.
Her approach also reflects a Christ-centered philosophy, which guides her work for those who want faith to be part of therapy. She aims to respect each person’s beliefs and to work in a way that fits their values and goals.
Sessions focus on clear goals and real-life strategies. Lori encourages clients to use their strengths and develop skills for coping, communicating, and making decisions. If someone is ready to move forward, she offers guided support and coaching toward those changes.
How Lori’s approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client’s lead. It helps when someone wants a supportive space to talk through work stress, parenting strain, or life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and teaches practical tools for managing anxiety or low mood. That approach often helps people change responses that get in the way of work or relationships.Finding the right approach is part of the process. Lori will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and values. She aims to tailor sessions so people try realistic steps between meetings and track what helps most.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are determined by the therapist. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, remove travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules demand it. They also let someone attend from a quieter spot or avoid needing to be on camera if that helps. Discussing practical needs and routines helps shape how therapy will work in everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Lori help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting challenges, grief, trauma and caregiver fatigue. Additional focus areas include career concerns, adoption and foster care issues, chronic illness, and life purpose questions.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is client-centered and practical. She uses solution-focused steps, CBT techniques, and trauma-focused approaches to help people set goals and try real changes.
How long has she been practicing?
Lori has 26 years of experience working as a counselor and life coach across settings like child welfare, crisis intervention, and mental health clinics.
Where is Lori licensed and located?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with licensure in Illinois and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with Lori?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.