An independent therapist directory. Not a crisis service.Crisis lines

Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Therapist profile

Danielle Zavala

Therapist · Illinois

Compassionate LCSW focusing on real-life coping

Continue with Danielle

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Danielle Zavala
Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, Illinois · 149021364
NPI
1689145617
Experience
4 years
Languages
English
Location
Illinois
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Relationship work
  • Practical skills

About Danielle

Danielle Zavala is a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. She works with those coping with trauma, addiction, and major life changes. Danielle speaks plain language and aims to make the first step feel manageable for someone reaching out.

She centers sessions on respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Danielle tailors conversations and plans to each person's needs. That means she listens first, then chooses techniques that fit the situation and goals.

Her practice draws on several therapeutic approaches to meet different concerns. She uses elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address thinking patterns and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to look at relationships and connection. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-informed work also shape how she helps people face painful feelings and rebuild trust.

Danielle has four years of professional experience as an LCSW. Her background includes work with people dealing with chronic stress, compassion fatigue, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and codependency. She also supports those struggling with anger, body image, caregiving stress, and blended family issues.

In sessions, she aims for practical, understandable steps that fit everyday life. Conversation, skill-building, and manageable experiments outside sessions are common features of her approach. She encourages clients to set clear goals and checks in on progress as therapy continues.

How her therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Danielle draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT often involves short exercises and small experiments to practice between sessions, which can fit into daily routines. She also uses Attachment-Based Therapy to look at how early connections affect current relationships and emotional responses. This work helps people understand long-standing patterns and try new ways of relating to others. Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust as progress is made. For practical matters, confirm the available session formats before booking since specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people practice new skills in the context of their everyday life and bring that experience back to sessions for discussion.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepression

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDependent personalityDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Credentials

Illinois

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Danielle commonly address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, addictions, and codependency among other concerns.

What is her general approach in therapy?

Danielle uses a mix of conversational, skills-based, and reflective work tailored to each person. She focuses on clear, practical steps and checks progress with clients.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has four years of professional experience as a licensed clinical social worker.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

Danielle is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices with that credential.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She is not currently taking international clients.

How are session costs handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process to begin working together?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Danielle ZavalaContinue with Danielle